How do you know when you need to get your tonsils removed?

Question

I've been having a sore throat for about 4 weeks now, at least for a few hours each day. Also is it possible to develop this when you are older? I'm 16, but I heard that you have to have this from the time you are a child, is this true? I am going to get it checked by a doctor but I just wanted to know if that might be a symptom?

Answer 1

Doctors recommend removal of the tonsils  specially when one is a child or an  adolescent and gives a history of acute streptococcal tonsilitis with the following criteria.

1. Seven or more acute attacks of tonsilitis with high fever during the previous year

2. Five or more serious tonsil infections every year over 2 years.

3. Three or more serious tonsil infections every year over 3 years.

What you are having now may be only a sore throat due to a virus, and not an infection of the tonsils.

The above criteria for removal of tonsils are applicable only to those who are suffering from tonsilitis due to infection by a bacteria called the streptococcus

You should meet a doctor and get advice regarding your present illness.

I am a medical doctor.