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+--- Thread: Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? (/Thread-Can-large-tonsils-cause-sleep-apnea-Would-removing-them-prevent-sleep-apnea)
Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? - WWu777 - 12-12-2020
I was wondering something. Doctors say I have large tonsils and when I look in the mirror they do look big. Suppose I had my tonsils removed. Would that prevent sleep apnea from happening? How can you know in advance whether that would make a difference?
Does anyone know anyone who has been cured of sleep apnea by having large tonsils removed?
Also, are tonsils vestigial? Do you need them? What function do they serve?
RE: Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? - Dawnstar - 12-12-2020
There’s a good article on tonsils on Wikipedia. They help fight colds for one thing. This is
worth discussing with your sleep doctor or ENT.
RE: Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? - Gideon - 12-12-2020
Tonsil removal is often recommended for young children with OSA. In adults, it could contribute. To determine if it is consult a good ENT that is not surgery happy.
Tonsils are part of our immune .system. in the past they were very routinely removed, not so much today.
RE: Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? - SarcasticDave94 - 12-12-2020
I'd say if removal would be helpful is as others mentioned, discuss with an ENT. I myself am doubtful of anything guaranteeing there'd be no sleep apnea after the procedure however. You'd have had to have very little apnea in the first place for some procedure or any sort diminish apnea to the level of being basically cured. I'm just skeptical of things that sound like a magic pill that cures apnea.
RE: Can large tonsils cause sleep apnea? Would removing them prevent sleep apnea? - Big Guy - 12-12-2020
Mine were removed as a young kid, and I'm not even sure why.
