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Tonsillectomies rising to aid sleep problems

Doctors are performing tonsillectomies in children for reasons that go beyond a simple infection. The surgery may be used to cure or at least relief the symptoms of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
In 2005 only about 30% of tonsillectomies were done because of infection, and the number of surgeries performed has doubled in 35 years. The removal of the tonsils can aid in lessening sleep apnea symptoms because they will no longer be available to obstruct the airway during sleep.
If your child has trouble breathing during sleep or has a snoring problem that persists or gets worse, have a chat with your doctor because these are symptoms of sleep apnea.
This news article is a summary of the article “Tonsillectomies rising to aid sleep problems” by Peggy J. Noonan. The original article can be found at the following link: http://usaweekend.com/07_issues/071118/071118health-tonsils.html