{"id":871,"date":"2026-02-07T11:41:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T11:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.entspecialist.sg\/doctors-corner\/?p=871"},"modified":"2026-02-07T11:41:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T11:41:42","slug":"does-removing-my-childs-tonsils-reduce-their-immunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.entspecialist.sg\/doctors-corner\/does-removing-my-childs-tonsils-reduce-their-immunity\/","title":{"rendered":"Does removing my child’s tonsils reduce their immunity?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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1. Does Tonsil Removal Affect Immunity? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a common question that parents often pose. There is a prevalent view that tonsils are like sentries that protect the rest of the airway against infections<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The evidence suggests otherwise. Tonsils are indeed part of the immune system \u2014 but their removal does not weaken immunity

The tonsils form part of the Waldeyer\u2019s ring, a ring of lymphoid tissue that samples germs entering through the nose and mouth. However, by the age of 3, other immune tissues (lymph nodes, spleen, mucosal immunity) take over the same functions.

Studies show that children who have undergone tonsillectomy continue to produce normal levels of antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) and exhibit normal immune responses.

Conclusion: Removing tonsils does not cause immune deficiency.
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2. Does tonsillectomy increase infection risk?
<\/strong>The evidence is mixed and must be interpreted carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short-term
<\/strong>In the months after surgery, some children get more viral upper respiratory infections, but this is temporary and reflects normal exposure at school rather than impaired immunity.

Long-term
<\/strong>Two types of studies exist:
A. Clinical ENT \/ paediatric studies (small-to-medium size)
These follow children for 1\u20135 years after tonsillectomy.
Findings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n