{
  "id": 4717895,
  "title": "Adenotonsillectomy tied to increase in respiratory tract infections in children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/adenotonsillectomy-tied-to-increase-in-respiratory-tract-infections",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-31T21:10:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-adenotonsillectomy-respiratory-tract-infections-children.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in the Journal of Rhinology has found that adenotonsillectomy (ATE), a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids and tonsils, is associated with an increased likelihood of hospital visits due to upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children. Led by Dr. Jun Young Kim from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, the researchers analyzed data from a Korean nationwide population-based cohort.\n\nThe study matched children who underwent ATE to a 1:5 ratio of surgical controls based on age and sex. The researchers discovered that the ATE group experienced higher odds of hospital visits for both upper and lower RTIs compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of pneumonia between the two groups.\n\nUpon further analysis, the study revealed that lower RTIs initially increased in younger children and later in older age groups. In boys, the rate of lower RTIs rose during the first and second postoperative years, while flu and pneumonia cases increased in girls during the second and third postoperative years. Among children without any preoperative infection history, the postoperative increase in RTIs was more pronounced.\n\nThese findings suggest that ATE may not be as effective in preventing long-term respiratory infections as previously thought. According to the authors, clinicians should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before recommending ATE for pediatric patients.",
  "summary": "Adenotonsillectomy (ATE) is associated with increased odds of hospital visits due to upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children, according to a study published online July 31 in the Journal of Rhinology.",
  "key_points": [
    "Adenotonsillectomy linked to higher respiratory tract infection rates in children.",
    "Study finds increased hospital visits for upper and lower RTIs post-surgery.",
    "Lower RTIs rise in younger and older children, gender-specific patterns observed."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}