What are the long-term effects of tonsillectomy on immune system function and infection risk? 
- Studies suggest that tonsillectomy may lead to higher levels of allergic, respiratory, and infectious diseases later in life [1][2].
- Tonsils play a role in the evolution of immunity, and their removal may affect normal immune system development in childhood [1].
- Research indicates that tonsillectomy increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases [3].
- Tonsils act as a first-line defense mechanism against organisms, allergens, and food, and their removal may compromise this function [3].
Long-term effects on infection risk
- A study found that tonsillectomy is associated with higher levels of respiratory infections (70.5%), gastrointestinal infections (13.8%), and cardiovascular infections (7.9%) later in life [4].
- Another study concluded that adenotonsillectomy does not pose negative short- or long-term impacts on cellular and humoral immunity in children [5].
- However, a delay in tonsil and adenoid removal may aid normal immune system development in childhood and reduce the possible later-life disease risks [1].
In summary, the long-term effects of tonsillectomy on immune system function and infection risk are:
- Potential increased risk of allergic, respiratory, and infectious diseases later in life
- Possible compromise of normal immune system development in childhood
- Increased risk of autoimmune diseases
- Higher levels of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular infections later in life
References: [1] Long-term impacts of tonsillectomy on children’s immune functions [2] What are the long-term health risks of having your tonsils out? [3] Tonsils, adenoids, and long-term immune function [4] Healthcare [5] Short and long-term impact of adenotonsillectomy on the immune system
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