Q: My ten year old son has enlarged tonsils but I dont want to go for surgery. Can this affect his growth and health? He cannot take cold drinks, ice cream, achar (pickles), etc.

A:How frequently does he get sore throats in a year, and for how long has he been getiing sore throats? Temporarily the chld may be put on long-acting pencillin treatment, if he is not allergic to it and if the local doctors agree. This treatment may be continued for 4-6 months time and the child may need only one injection in 3 weeks. It is possible that the child may settle down and may not require surgery. On the other hand, if he continues to have sore throat, he could be considered for surgery later.