Tonsils may be removed (with or without the adenoids) when the child has obstruction of the upper airway, and/or Sleep apnea. This is a condition in which the child snores loudly and stops breathing temporarily at intervals during sleep. Other indications include: inability to swallow properly because of enlarged tonsils; "hot potato" voice (breathy voice) and other speech abnormalities due to enlarged tonsils; recurrent or persistent abscesses or throat infections.

Doctors do not agree completely on the number of sore throats that make a tonsillectomy necessary. Most would agree that four cases of strep throat in any one year; six or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year; or five or more episodes of tonsillitis per year for two years indicate that the tonsils should be removed.

Adenoids are removed (with or without the tonsils) when the child has any of the following...