tonsils

[andrewlee]

What is their purpose if we can live without them?

[WendyW]

Take a look at http://www.entassociates.com/tonsils.htm that should give you the information you are looking for.

[comloulou]

I was told by my doctor after my 100th case of tonsilitus that if they whipped them out I'd get chest infections instead so theyre staying where they are mate.

[rinkytink]

I think that if you get an infection that could be passed into you chest or stomach the tonsils act as a block. They catch the infection and pervent it travelling further. Hence doctors will only remove your tonsils these days if you constantly get tonsillitus and it is causing more of a problem than it solves.

[mykola]

wendy this isnt really an answer to your question but i suffered about 3 or 4 years long with septic tonsils about 4x and septic bronchitis 2x a year. at around 30 i got em taken out. it was hell! they were the worst pains ive ever suffered... but now everythings sort of funky & groovy ...

[katiesara]

another "not really an answer" type answer, I was admitted to hospital with a "quinsy",(tonsilitus gone balistic), about 6 months ago, I have tonsilitus about twice a year - and the 2 consultants I saw both advised me NOT to have them out, so maybe they do have some use after all!!

[Cathy]

Tonsils are part of your lymphatic system, which helps in stopping infections. If you can keep them it's a good idea, but if you get constant tonsilitis (as I did) it's amazing how much better you feel without them (after the initial pain). I personally haven't had any chest infections and that was a year and a half ago, but it is a risk.