A new study published by an international research team has found a potential link between tonsillectomies and increased risks of anxiety-related disorders later in life. Conducted on over one million individuals in Sweden, the study analyzed data from Guangxi Medical University in China and Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
According to the researchers, approximately 43% of individuals who had their tonsils removed were more likely to develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. The increased risk was evident even after accounting for factors such as sex, age at surgery, family history, and parental education level.
The study also found that the risk persisted for over 20 years after the procedure. The researchers suggest a potential link between adenotonsillar diseases and stress-related disorders. Among the conditions studied, PTSD showed the greatest increase in risk, with individuals who underwent tonsillectomies at a younger age facing a 55% higher risk.
The study controlled for genetic and environmental factors by comparing siblings within families, finding that those who had undergone tonsillectomies still faced a 34% higher risk of developing anxiety disorders. The findings indicate that while the increased risk was most pronounced in the years immediately following surgery, it persisted long-term.
The researchers speculate that the association may be due to the role of tonsils in fighting infections and the potential underlying reasons for the tonsillectomy itself contributing to anxiety later in life.
Source: https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/removing-tonsils-as-a-child-could-have-long-term-effects