tonsils function - #7114

I recently had a really bad sore throat, and when I went to the doctor, they said my tonsils were swollen. They mentioned that my tonsils might need to be removed if I keep getting infections. That got me wondering—what is the actual tonsils function, and do we really need them? From what I read, the tonsils function as part of the immune system. But if they help fight infections, why do so many people have them removed? Does taking them out weaken the immune system, or does it not really make a difference? I’ve noticed that every time I get sick, my tonsils swell up and get covered in white spots. Is that a normal part of the tonsils function, or is that a sign of something serious like tonsillitis? Also, can tonsils cause bad breath if they trap bacteria? Another thing I’m confused about is whether the tonsils function changes with age. I read that they’re more important in children, but do they stop being useful when you’re an adult? If that’s true, does it mean that getting them removed later in life has fewer risks? I also have trouble with snoring, and I read that enlarged tonsils can block the airway during sleep. If my tonsils are big, could that be causing sleep apnea? Should I get a sleep study done to check? If someone has weak immunity, does that make the tonsils function even more important? I get colds pretty often, so I’m wondering if removing them would make me more likely to get sick. On the other hand, if my tonsils are always inflamed, could they be doing more harm than good? For people who have had their tonsils removed, did you notice any changes in your health? Did you get sick less often, or did it make no difference? I’m trying to decide whether I should keep my tonsils or have them removed if the infections keep happening.