Recurring strep throat: When is tonsillectomy useful?

Answer Section

A surgery to remove the tonsils may be an option if a child has strep throat seven or more times in one year. Surgery may be recommended if a person gets strep five or more times a year in two years or three or more times a year in three years.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the two oval-shaped pads at the back of the throat, called the tonsils. Many sore throats are caused by viruses that can't be treated with antibiotics or surgery. This is why it's important for children to take a test to see if they have a strep throat infection or an infection caused by a virus.

People can still get strep throat after having their tonsils removed. But tonsillectomy may lower how often a person gets strep throat and make the illness milder.

Many children have fewer strep throat infections as they get older. Think about risks and complications of the surgery before deciding to remove a child's tonsils. Risks can be linked to medicine given to put a person in a sleep-like state during surgery. This medicine is called anesthetic. Complications can include bleeding, pain and vomiting.

Talk the options over with a healthcare professional. Also, think about getting advice from a surgeon who is trained in ear, nose and throat surgery in children.