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

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110463Get rights and content

Highlights

  • The COVID-19 lockdown caused a significant reduction in tonsillitis episodes compared to pre-lockdown.

  • In 70% of cases parents wanted their child's tonsillectomy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • Viral exposure is possibly a key factor in the pathophysiology of recurrent tonsillitis.

  • Social distancing measures may reduce the frequency of tonsillitis.

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.

Keywords

Tonsillitis
SARS-CoV
Quality of life
Otolaryngology

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