It was once common to remove children's tonsils and adenoids. Today, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are done less often, and only when the benefits greatly outweigh the risk, inconvenience, and pain.

Tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if at least 1 of the following criteria is present:

• There have been at least 4 to 6 severe tonsillitis infections caused by strep bacteria in the past year despite treatment with at least 2 different antibiotics.
• The enlarged tonsils cause severe trouble breathing or sleep disturbance.
• There are deep pockets of infection in the tonsils that haven't responded to medication treatment.

Adenoidectomy. An adenoidectomy may be recommended if at least 1 of the following criteria is present:

• The enlarged adenoids are obstructing the airway, causing trouble breathing and sleep disturbance.
• The adenoids may cause persistent ear infections, despite antibiotic treatment.

If your doctor recommends surgery but none of the above criteria are met, it may be wise to get a second opinion.