A study by international researchers has found a potential link between tonsil removal surgery and increased anxiety risk later in life. Conducted on over a million people, the study analyzed data from Sweden’s health registry, showing that a tonsillectomy was associated with a 43% higher risk of developing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.
Researchers found that PTSD presented the greatest risk increase, with those who had their tonsils removed earlier in life experiencing a 55% rise. Even among siblings, the risk of anxiety disorders increased by 34%. The study also showed that this increased risk persisted even 20 years after surgery.
The exact cause behind the association is unclear, but experts suggest that removing the tonsils may have left patients more vulnerable to infection and inflammation, which could contribute to anxieties later in life. Previous studies have linked tonsil removal to other health problems, including autoimmune diseases and cancer.
While the study provides credible evidence for a potential link between tonsil removal and mental health declines, it has limitations due to data from a medical registry. The researchers acknowledge the need for further studies to validate their findings and explore the underlying mechanisms behind this association.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/having-your-tonsils-out-as-a-child-may-have-a-drastic-impact-on-your-life