Does enlarged tonsils require surgery?

In general, whether surgery is needed for tonsillar hypertrophy depends on the patient's specific condition. If symptoms are mild, surgery is usually unnecessary. However, if symptoms are severe and frequently lead to infections, surgical intervention may be required. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The detailed analysis is as follows:

When symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy are mild, it indicates that the degree of tonsil enlargement is minimal and has little impact on physiological functions such as breathing and swallowing. At this stage, the tonsils may only exhibit slight congestion and swelling, without causing serious complications or frequent infections. Therefore, symptoms can typically be relieved through medication and lifestyle adjustments, making surgical treatment unnecessary.

When symptoms are severe, significant tonsil enlargement may substantially impair physiological functions like breathing and swallowing, leading to difficulties in breathing and swallowing, as well as snoring during sleep. Moreover, if the enlarged tonsils frequently trigger infections—such as recurrent tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess—this can cause considerable discomfort and distress to the patient. In such cases, surgical treatment, such as tonsillectomy, can completely remove the diseased tissue, prevent recurrent infections, and thereby improve the patient’s quality of life.

Although surgery for tonsillar hypertrophy can effectively resolve the issue, the procedure itself carries certain risks and potential complications, including intraoperative bleeding, postoperative infection, and scarring. Therefore, prior to deciding on surgery, physicians must thoroughly evaluate the patient's condition to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the operation.