What are the long-term effects of adenoid removal on a child's immune system and overall health?
Studies suggest that removal of adenoids and tonsils in childhood increases the long-term risk of respiratory, allergic, and infectious diseases. A large-scale study of almost 1.2 million children found that adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy were associated with increased long-term risks of these diseases, despite rigorous controls for confounding factors.
Compromised Immune Function
Research on young children (<3 years old) who underwent adenotonsillectomy found no obvious effect on their immune function or risk of immune deficiency disorders. However, a study examining the effects of adenoidectomy with/without tonsillectomy on immune function in young children found no specific research focused on this age group.
Redundancy in the Immune System
Experts emphasize that removal of the adenoid doesn’t adversely affect the body’s ability to fight off infection in the long run, as there is enough redundancy in the immune system. According to an otolaryngologist, “Studies have shown that removal of the adenoid doesn’t compromise that line of defense.”
Key Takeaways
- Removal of adenoids and tonsils in childhood increases the long-term risk of respiratory, allergic, and infectious diseases.
- The immune system has redundancy, and removal of the adenoid does not compromise its ability to fight off infection in the long run.
- However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of adenoid removal on immune function in young children (<3 years old).
