Recurrent tonsillitis and parental perceptions of tonsillectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives The coronavirus outbreak has triggered the implementation of nationwide social distancing measures. We aimed to investigate the impact on patients with recurrent tonsillitis and parental perceptions towards tonsillectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A telephone questionnaire was conducted for all children awaiting tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis after social distancing for 2 months at our centre. The COVID-19 lockdown period was compared with the 2 months prior to lockdown. Results Forty-four children had been social distancing at home during lockdown. There was a significant reduction in tonsillitis episodes during the 2-month lockdown period in comparison with 2 months prior to lockdown (p = 0.0001). In 70% (n = 31) of cases parents wanted their child's tonsillectomy during the coronavirus outbreak. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that viral exposure is a key factor in the pathophysiology of recurrent tonsillitis and that social distancing measures can reduce the frequency of recurrent tonsillitis. Despite the overall reduction in tonsillitis frequency during the lockdown period, the majority of parents wanted their child's tonsillectomy during the coronavirus outbreak. This demonstrates the impact tonsillitis has on the patient and their family's quality of life.

The impact and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with head and neck cancer and acute upper airway infection in a tertiary otorhinolaryngology referral center in Denmark

“…However, we did not observe the same trend in the number of patient encounters related to acute tonsillitis. This is in contrast to another study, which found a reduction in tonsillitis episodes during a 2-month period of social distancing in a pediatric population [ 29 ].…”

Tympanostomies and tonsillar surgery in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finland

“…Recurrent throat infections and obstructive disorders are indications for tonsillar surgery, while indications for tympanostomy are recurrent middle ear infections and persistent effusion 9,10 . In a survey of the tonsillectomy waiting list in the pediatric population, tonsillitis episodes diminished during the 2 months of social distancing in the UK 11 . Nevertheless, all patients from the waiting list were operated on electively either during or after the lockdown.…”

“… 9 , 10 In a survey of the tonsillectomy waiting list in the pediatric population, tonsillitis episodes diminished during the 2 months of social distancing in the UK. 11 Nevertheless, all patients from the waiting list were operated on electively either during or after the lockdown. Several studies have demonstrated a decrease in the number of acute otitis media in children during the lockdown, 3 , 4 , 12 , 13 also in recurrent cases.…”

Pediatric otolaryngology in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: what have we learned?

“…Adenotonsillar surgery is the second most common surgery in children, after MTT [ 32 , 37 ]. Similar to otitis media, data has shown that masking and social distancing may have decreased episodes of tonsillitis in children with recurrent tonsillitis [ 38 ]. Initially, all tonsillectomy procedures save those for severe OSA or concern for malignancy, were recommended to be postponed [ 16 ].…”