Health Tip: When It's Time for a Tonsillectomy

Signs that the tonsils may need to be removed

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(HealthDay News) -- Tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, is a common treatment for frequent infections of these glands, located in the back of the mouth.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine says possible warning signs that a tonsillectomy is needed include:

• Persistent bouts with inflamed tonsils (tonsillitis).
• Tonsillitis that doesn't get better with antibiotics.
• Tonsils that grow large enough to touch each another.
• An abscess that forms around one or both tonsils.
• Persistent middle ear infections.

-- Diana Kohnle