A surgical solution for minor tonsil and adenoid problems is not better than simple TLC and waiting, according to a team of Dutch researchers.

A study of 300 patients found there was little difference in reduction of symptoms between the 150 children who had tonsillectomies and those that did not. In fact, during the 18 months following the procedures, there was no difference in the groups.

Experts say this research backs the trend of declining tonsillectomies in the United States, which dropped from more than 1 million annually in the 1970s to 250,000 that are now performed each year.

However, in other countries like the Netherlands, tonsillectomies remain the standard course of action for recurrent upper respiratory infections.

Some physicians have developed another strategy that involves the parents. These doctors encourage parents to monitor their children for unusual occurrences. They tell parents to administer anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics, as necessary, to calm pain and fever.

Some experts add that there are cases when surgery is required.

One example they give is when tonsil or adenoid problems severely disrupt sleep and breathing. Other physicians set benchmarks for frequent problems such as a certain number of infections each year or consistent infections over time. Antibiotics may be prescribed but, according to research, they have limited effectiveness in these situations.

British Medical Journal September 11, 2004;329(7466) (Free Full Text Article)

Yahoo News September 10, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

You probably remember the long series I ran in my free eHealthy newsletters about the modern health care system -- doctors specifically -- being the leading cause of death. In fact, it's possible that 30 percent of controversial surgeries are unnecessary. They include: Cesarean section Hysterectomy Appendectomy Tonsillectomy Please understand that I don't blame doctors entirely for this horrible state of affairs in medicine as I do a system that allows, even promotes, so many unnecessary procedures, drugs and mishaps. The solution to chronic minor upper respiratory problems is much more basic than drugs or surgery. The key is to remove your child from harmful products like: Pasteurized dairy Sugars and grains Soda Fruit drinks Instead, add healthier options into your child' diet. Raw dairy products are usually well tolerated. Raw organic milk strengthens the immune system with the seeding and feeding of diverse beneficial essential bacteria. Vegetable juice is a great alternative to fruit drinks because it does not have all the sugar. Plus, it is full of vitamins and essential nutrients. Another smart choice is pure, clean water. Cod liver oil usually dramatically improves the immune response Fermented foods also increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut to fight infections. There are only a small handful of cases of many thousands of these infections that I treated over the past 20 years that haven't responded to these simple measures. Of course, eating the foods more suited for your metabolic type is by far your greatest ally in fighting and preventing disease. Related Articles: No Surprise: Cough Medicines Found Not Effective Experts Say Stop Antibiotics For Ear Infections Taking Out Adenoids Does NOT Help Ear Infections--Imagine That!! Secrets for Treating and Preventing Ear Infections Shots In The Dark Hygiene Systems To Improve Health