Tonsillectomy in Children: AAO–HNS Updates Guideline

Physicians should ask about growth retardation, enuresis, asthma, poor school performance, or behavioral problems when considering tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Tonsillectomy for Recurrent Throat Infections STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Based on a systematic review of limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies showing benefit, watchful waiting is strongly recommended for recurrent throat infection if there have been less than seven episodes in the past year, five episodes per year for the past two years, or three episodes per year for the past three years. OPTION Tonsillectomy may be recommended for recurrent throat infection if there have been seven episodes in the past year, at least five episodes per year for two years, or at least three episodes per year for three years with documentation in the medical record for each episode and at least one of the following: temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudate, or positive test for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.