A recent study has shown that tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis and worsening of its symptoms.
The Multiple Sclerosis Journal reports that, according to researchers, an analysis of data from 359 children with multiple sclerosis and 560 healthy children as a control group showed that children who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy were 63 percent more likely to develop the disease. Furthermore, a history of tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy in the patients followed was found to be associated with a twofold increase in the annual relapse rate.
According to the researchers, prior tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis and a higher frequency of disease attacks in children, suggesting a possible interaction between the Epstein-Barr virus, immune regulation, and the mechanism of disease occurrence.
Researchers indicate that the Epstein-Barr virus is a major risk factor for multiple sclerosis, and that the tonsils and adenoids serve as its primary reservoir in the body. Therefore, removing these tissues could disrupt the immune balance, potentially destabilizing the body's defenses in the long term.
Experts emphasize that the study does not establish a direct causal relationship, but only confirms a statistical correlation. Therefore, to clarify the mechanisms by which surgery affects the development of autoimmune processes, further studies are needed, taking into account the age at which the surgery is performed and specific medical indications.
