What can I do about my sons tonsils?

Erin - posted on 02/01/2013

I'd definitely go to an ENT. who cares if he doesnt fit the criteria? Does he snore loudly? Does he stop breathing a little in his sleep? My daughter had no tonsillitis, but had sleep apnea and she snored so loudly! Once she had the tonsils out, she ate better, slept better...definitely push for a referral or just go to one on your own if you can. It's more important to get this done younger, too. Since throat surgery on older kids and adults is horrific!

Liz - posted on 12/16/2012

I agree with Little Miss and Amanda - get him into an ENT. If his doctor won't refer him, look one up for yourself.

Amanda - posted on 12/16/2012

I would push to be referred to an ENT specialist.
Maybe look at his sleep and try a different approach where you might get the same result.
My son has large tonsils and they are causing sleep apenea so we are having them out next year. He's 5 in March and think he's only ever had tonsilitis twice.

I know how frustrating it can be. I suffer horribly with tonsilitis, I have had it 6 times this year and I'm due for one more bout before the year is out (usually over xmas) My tonsils have never been removed and even after 3 lots of it with 3 lots of antibiotics in 7 weeks over winter this year my doctor still won't refer me on.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 12/16/2012

Have you gone specifically to a pediatric ENT (ear nose and throat specialist)? They may be able to give you a different perspective.

In the mean time, start building up his immune system with really healthy foods, vitamins, and beware of people with colds and flu's.

Also, tell your doctor that regardless of him fitting a criteria, you would like to speak with a surgeon about getting them out. I know they used to take them out a lot, and things have changed over the years. Now they don't take out tonsils as regularly as they used to. I am not sure it was helping people as much as they thought taking them out would. It does indeed trap all the crap, and prevents it from getting into the system, but if he is a good candidate, getting one more opinion may ease your mind. If he is not a good candidate and all the doctors are refusing, ask them to explain the specific reason why they won't take them out....especially considering he is having so many issues.

Lyndsay - posted on 12/16/2012

Hi Debbie.
Yes he does end up in hospital nearly every time, but they keep saying that because he hasn't had 5 bacterial cases in a row, sometimes it's viral, they won't do anything. I'm looking into paying for private treatment now. As far as I can tell its all just red tape and politics. As far as I'm concerned, as a mum, enough is enough!

Debbie - posted on 12/16/2012

Go to another dr. I don't know how it works over there. We are in SA. My son had tonsillitis 3 times in 5 weeks and they removed them just before he turned 3. If it is causing hospitilisation then it is surely time

Lyndsay - posted on 12/15/2012

Hi Firebird.
Yes, we've been to several different doctors, but they always say the same. He doesn't fit the criteria. It's just so frustrating!

Firebird - posted on 12/14/2012

Have you gone to another doctor for a second opinion?