The influence of tonsillectomy on allergic diseases in pediatric patients

Background The influence of tonsillectomy on allergic airway diseases is not well known. Objectives In the present study, the influence of tonsillectomy on perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and bronchial asthma (BA) among pediatric subjects was prospectively investigated. Methods The tonsillectomy (surgery group) and the age-matched non-surgical subjects (control group) were examined and followed prospectively. In addition, immunological analysis was conducted. Results After in vitro allergen stimulation, the production of a small number of allergen-specific Th2 cells was induced in the tonsillar cells, even in sensitized subjects. Flow cytometry analysis detected more effector regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tonsils than in peripheral blood. Clinically, after surgery, the PAR and BA symptoms improved in the surgery group but not in the control group. The total IgE in the surgery group was significantly lower than in the control group; after surgery, IgE levels slightly increased but remained lower. The postoperative Dermatophagoides farina (Der f)-specific IgE level increased in the sensitized subjects but not in the non-sensitized subjects. Conclusion Tonsillectomy did not improve the underlying mechanisms of the allergy, however the decreased risk of infection and upper airway obstruction could lead to improved symptoms of allergic airway diseases.