According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology guidelines (Paradise criteria), which indication justifies tonsillectomy in a child with recurrent tonsillitis?

• A At least 3 episodes per year for 3 consecutive years
• B At least 7 episodes in the past year, 5 per year in the past 2 years, or 3 per year in the past 3 years ✓
• C At least 5 episodes per year for 2 consecutive years, or 7 episodes in 1 year
• D At least 10 episodes in the past year with documented fever

Explanation

The Paradise criteria for tonsillectomy require either 7 episodes in the past year, 5 episodes per year for the past 2 years, or 3 episodes per year for the past 3 years. These episodes must be properly documented with associated clinical features like fever or cervical lymphadenopathy. Option C is incorrect because it misses the 3 episodes for 3 years criterion. Option A misses the 7 and 5 episode thresholds.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.

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