Tonsils and the immune system 1/2



How many of us 50+ (those who admit to it) had had their tonsils removed in
childhood as a routine procedure?
Is it possible that is why our immune system is out of whack?



Medical News That Matters
Second OpinionT: A reason to remove tonsils?
By Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld
April 8, 2007

About 4.4 million children have been diagnosed with
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Since 1991, the number of
prescriptions to treat the condition has increased by 500%. Now there may be
another treatment option: removing the tonsils and/or adenoids of ADHD
sufferers.

Years ago, most children had their tonsils removed if they often got sore
throats. Today, the surgery usually is done only if a child is troubled by
repeated ear and throat infections or obstructed breathing, especially while
sleeping. A recent study at the University of Michigan found that
respiratory symptoms improved in children after their tonsils and adenoids
were removed. And about half of those with ADHD before surgery no longer
qualified for that diagnosis one year later. The researchers theorize that
the positive effect on ADHD may be the result of better sleep.

Doctors caution that these operations should not be done solely for ADHD but
only if the tonsils and adenoids are causing serious respiratory problems.
That's because tonsils function as part of the immune system.


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Tonsils and the immune system 1/2
    ... My poor tonsils...I had so many infections and they wanted to take them out ... A reason to remove tonsils? ... removing the tonsils and/or adenoids of ADHD ...
    (alt.support.arthritis)
  • Most tonsil operations needless
    ... Britain every year. ... Adenotonsillectomies - where both the tonsils and adenoids are removed - ... that the operation 'little clinical benefit'. ...
    (sci.med)
  • OTP Need prayers for great nieces surgery tomorrow
    ... having her tonsils and adenoids out tomorrow. ... Please pray for her. ... PS Nate is doing great, ...
    (alt.support.arthritis)