Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Inquiries are often made by caregivers in pediatric and primary care settings regarding the need for tonsillectomy. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is the predominant indication for tonsillectomy in children. SDB and its sequelae are well documented as having a negative impact on several domains of a child's life and should be considered within the differential diagnosis for several common pediatric conditions. A diagnosis of SDB is generally made through a thorough history and physical examination. There is evidence for the benefit of adenotonsillectomy for children with SDB and for recurrent throat infections in the short term, but studies with longer-term outcomes are lacking.