Hello!

My 4 year old has had two sets of grommets (at two and three) with the last pair still in. He has speech/language delays and dyspraxia (falling over his own shadow at times). His ENT says he has level 3 tonsils which may be contributing to the speech delays and overall developmental delays. He said he can take them out if we want as this will often assist with speech development. My dilemma is that he has never had tonsillitis and has only complained of a sore throat once in his life. Should we have the tonsils removed on the off chance that it will improve his speech and development? I would love to hear if others have been in the same situation.

Posted by Amanda, 5/8/13

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  • Tonsil removal is one of the most common surgeries performed on children and teens, but the reasons for performing it have changed over the years. Years ago, doctors performed tonsillectomies primarily to treat chronic inflammation and infections of the tonsils, called tonsillitis. Although doctors still perform tonsillectomies to treat chronic tonsillitis, they now perform more tonsillectomies to treat airway obstruction.
    Enlarged tonsils can cause airway obstruction—blocking the airflow through the back of the throat. Obstruction can cause problems such as:

    Sleep apnea
    Snoring
    Mouth breathing
    Trouble swallowing
    Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
    Growth problems, including obesity and being underweight
    Behavior problems and fatigue due to lack of restful sleep
    Speech problems


  • My son just tonsils and adenoids removed and although there were post op complications (bleeding) and a follow up operation it’s the best thing we did. His sleeping, breathing and speech has improved greatly.


  • Get a second opinion and if that is the same get them out, just remember a tonsilectomy is as painful as childbirth for a child.


  • my son had his tonsils out when he was 3. it was having sleep problems, he’d never had tonsillitis but as his father suffers from sleep apnea we thought it was the best for him. he sleeps so much better now and does not snore, I also noticed it helped with his energy levels.


  • I think there is no harm in having them removed as many children and adults do have them removed. If there is any chance it will improve your sons development and his quality of life as he gets older you need to give it a go. If you are concerned still maybe get a second opinion and see what they say.


  • My son is having his tonsils out in the next few months his tonsils are huge tho they touch each other when he doesn’t have a sore throat so when he does he does sometimes struggle.
    I think if I was in your shoes I would have them removed if a doctor told me that it could help my child with their speech I would do anything to aid them with that. It’s done very quickly all up the doctor told me he will be asleep for 20-30 minutes.
    Good luck with your decision


  • I wished my parents got mine removed when I was younger. I have suffered with tonsillitis my whole life and haven’t got the time to have them removed now.


  • there are some good comments here


  • i think you should .


  • Did you decide to have them removed?


  • Base on that, I probably would have them taken out to be honest.


  • i wish you all the best


  • I hope everything turned out – such a difficult decision to have to make!


  • what did you decide :)


  • What have you decided to do?


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