Does tonsillectomy in children affect immune function?

  Tonsils are peripheral lymphoid tissue with immune function and are part of the endolymphatic ring of the pharynx, which serves as a defense against invasion by bacteria and other foreign factors. Studies have shown that the tonsils produce various immunoglobulins, as well as T and B lymphocytes, so the pediatric tonsils play a role in the immune function of the body.  In one study, serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were measured in children and showed no significant changes at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery compared to pre-surgery values, all of which were within the normal range, indicating that the surgery had no effect on the patient’s immune system and that, for the average child, there is no immune deficiency due to removal of the tonsils. It was also observed that in cases more than 5 years after tonsillectomy (mean 20.5 years) and aged 10 years or older at the time of removal (mean 21.5 years), compared with the control group without tonsillectomy in which postoperative history questionnaires and relevant immunological indicators were performed, the absolute serum IgA and neutrophil values were within the normal range, and the frequency of postoperative upper respiratory tract infections and immune-related The frequency of upper respiratory tract infections and the incidence of immune-related diseases were not higher in the observation group than in the control group, indicating that there were no significant long-term effects on the general health status and overall immune function of the human body.  In addition, among the peripheral immune organs, the immune function of the spleen and lymph nodes was dominant, and the immune role of the tonsils was of secondary importance.  On the other hand, recurrent chronic tonsillitis not only does not have immune function, but also becomes a focal point for the spread of infection. Once you have chronic tonsillitis, you increase the risk of complications such as acute nephritis, endocarditis and rheumatism. “Therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is very necessary and does not affect health.