At what point would my child benefit from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?

Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids in children is performed for two primary reasons: recurrent tonsil/adenoid infections and upper airway obstruction.

Tonsil infections: As a general guidline, a tonsillectomy is recommended in ptients with seven or more tonsil infections in one year, five infections a year for two years or three infections for three or more years. 

Upper airway obstruction: Enlargement of tonsil and adenoid tissue in children can obstruct the upper airways during sleep.  Children with upper airway obstruction may have sleep apnea and are typically mouth breathers who snore loudly and can be heard to stop breathing or make gasping noises during sleep.  The resulting fragmented sleep can lead to daytime fatigue or hyperactivity, failure to thrive, difficulties in concentration, occasional bed wetting and possible strain on the heart.

Surgical procedure: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) are performed through the mouth with no external scars.  The procedure is performed using general anesthesia and in most cases can be performed as an out patient.