---
title: "Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy"
description: "ENT notes on Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy."
source: "The ENT Resident"
author: "Dr. Mausumi Das"
canonical_url: "https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/paradise-criteria-tonsillectomy"
categories: ["Short Questions in ENT", "Surgery", "Mnemonics in ENT"]
video: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8475biydWxM"
image: "https://media.theentresident.com/og-images/paradise-criteria-tonsillectomy.png"
---

# Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy

ENT notes on Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy. Watch the full video lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8475biydWxM

## 📌 Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy

**Paradise criteria** is a **high yield viva and theory topic** used to decide **which children with recurrent sore throat are eligible for tonsillectomy**.

The **most common indication for tonsillectomy** is **recurrent tonsillitis / recurrent sore throat**, and Paradise criteria helps standardize this decision.

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### What is Paradise Criteria?

Paradise criteria defines the **minimum number of documented sore throat episodes** required to consider **tonsillectomy in a child**.

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### Minimum Frequency of Sore Throat Episodes

A child is eligible for tonsillectomy if **any one** of the following is present:

- **≥ 7 episodes** in the **past 1 year**
- **≥ 5 episodes per year** for **2 consecutive years**
- **≥ 3 episodes per year** for **3 consecutive years**

➡️ This is the **minimum frequency requirement**.

> 🚩 **Quick Mnemonic** - **7-5-3 rule**
> - 7 in 1 year  
> - 5/year for 2 years  
> - 3/year for 3 years  

> How is a “Sore Throat Episode” Defined in Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy?

Each episode **must be documented** and should include:

- **Sore throat**
- **PLUS at least one** of the following **four features**:

1. **Fever** - ≥ **38.3°C** (101°F)

2. **Cervical lymphadenopathy**

   - Tender lymph nodes  
   - OR lymph node size ≥ **2 cm**

3. **Tonsillar exudate**

4. **Positive Group A Streptococcal culture**

⚠️ **Parental history alone is NOT sufficient** — proper documentation is mandatory.

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### 📌 Key Exam & Viva Points

- Paradise criteria applies **mainly to children**
- Used in **recurrent tonsillitis**
- Episodes must be **documented**
- Sore throat **alone is not enough**
- Requires **associated systemic or local signs**

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## About This Note

This free ENT note on Paradise Criteria for Tonsillectomy was written by Dr. Mausumi Das and is paired with a corresponding video lecture.

Canonical page of this note: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/paradise-criteria-tonsillectomy

When citing or referencing this content, please credit The ENT Resident and link to the canonical page above.

## Related Notes by Category

- Short Questions in ENT: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/short-questions-in-ent.md
- Surgery: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/surgery.md
- Mnemonics in ENT: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures/category/mnemonics-in-ent.md

## About The ENT Resident

The ENT Resident is an educational website and resource library created by Dr. Mausumi Das (MS ENT) for ENT residents, ENT postgraduates preparing for exams, and MBBS students.

Dr. Mausumi Das writes the notes, draws the diagrams, and records the lectures herself.

Browse all ENT notes and lectures on The ENT Resident: https://www.theentresident.com/ent-notes-lectures.md

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The ENT Resident provides educational material for medical learning and revision. It does not provide patient-specific medical advice, diagnosis, or emergency care, and it is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

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