The tonsils are a strategically placed pair of lymph nodes placed at the back of the mouth. They sample the bacteria and other alien substances that enter the body. This sometimes results in an over-reaction or tonsillitis. This can produce a very inflamed and expanded tonsil. These infected tonsils can produce ear infections and block the breathing passages. After attempted antibiotic treatment the doctor may recommend a TandA or tonsil removal. The lymphoid tissue is scraped from its throats tissue bed and although not a minor procedure, most children recover within 3-5 days after the operation.