Hi Karla,
The tonsils are part of the body's immune system and function to arrest any infection at the point of
entry into the oral cavity. The tonsils contain lymphoid tissue and are inflamed on stronger infections and
sometimes in individuals with frequent allergic responses. The thymus gland in the chest also plays a key role
in immunity and is also associated with allergies.
If the problems with the lung are due to an allergy, it is likely that there would be some amount of allergic
manifestation in the tonsils. However, unilateral tonsillectomy has been preferred in patients over 30 years
of age as it gives better results. In individuals under 30, bilateral tonsillectomy is usually the normal
procedure.
Another reason for a unilateral tonsillectomy would be if there is any abnormality in one tonsil and the
doctor wants to have it excised to rule out any cancerous changes on histopathological examination.
Do keep us posted on your doubts and for any further clarifications.
