The tonsils are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (glands in your neck) that help to fight off infection from germs that are breathed in or swallowed.

For children, a tonsillectomy is recommended when the child has had at least four attacks each year for two years in a row. For adults, fewer attacks are needed before a tonsillectomy is recommended, as attacks tend to be more severe and there is less likelihood of the attacks stopping on their own.