A 3-year-old girl with recurrent tonsillitis meets the Paradise criteria for tonsillectomy. According to the AAO-HNS guidelines, which set of criteria indicates a clear indication for surgery?
- A 7 episodes in the past year, or 5 per year for 2 years, or 3 per year for 3 years — each with specific clinical features ✓
- B 3 episodes per year for 2 consecutive years, each documented with fever and positive strep culture
- C 4 episodes per year with parent-reported school absence only
- D Persistent tonsillar enlargement ≥grade 3 for more than 6 months
Correct answer: A. 7 episodes in the past year, or 5 per year for 2 years, or 3 per year for 3 years — each with specific clinical features
Explanation
Paradise criteria (and AAO-HNS guidelines) specify tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infections when: ≥7 episodes in the preceding year, or ≥5 per year for 2 consecutive years, or ≥3 per year for 3 consecutive years — each episode documented by at least one clinical feature (fever >38.3°C, cervical lymphadenopathy, tonsillar exudate, or positive group A streptococcal test). Tonsillar size alone is not a criterion for recurrent infections.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.