In the United States, over 500,000 tonsillectomies are performed annually, mainly to improve breathing while sleeping or reduce recurrent infections. However, a recent study suggests that this common procedure could increase a patient’s risk of developing anxiety-related disorders later in life.
Researchers from Guangxi Medical University in China and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analyzed data on over one million people in a Swedish health registry, finding a 43% increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. The study’s results indicate that even after controlling for various factors such as age, sex, family history, and socioeconomic status, the increased risk remained.
The researchers compared siblings to control for genetic and environmental factors, but found a 34% greater risk of anxiety disorders among those who had their tonsils removed. This risk was still present more than 20 years after surgery. The study’s findings suggest that adenotonsillar diseases or associated health conditions may play a role in the development of stress-related disorders.
While the exact reason behind the association is unclear, experts believe that the removal of the tonsils may make the body more vulnerable to infection and inflammation, which could contribute to anxiety. Previous studies have linked tonsillectomy to other health problems, including autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils, can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection and is often treated with antibiotics or over-the-counter painkillers. However, in severe cases, surgery to remove the tonsils may be necessary. The study’s results have important implications for the treatment of stress-related disorders and highlight the need for further research into the role of adenotonsillar diseases in psychiatric disorders.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/planning-to-remove-the-tonsils-surgically-heres-what-you-should-know-about-the-impacts/articleshow/116559326.cms