Evaluation of iron and zinc levels in recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to look into the roles of iron and zinc metals in etiopathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy by evaluating the levels of iron and zinc elements in the palatine tonsillar tissue. Methods In total, 40 patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to treat recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups, recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy, determined by the results of clinical and histopathological examination. The levels of iron and zinc elements were determined for each tonsillar tissue sample. Results There was a significant difference in the iron and zinc concentrations (p  Conclusions This study suggests that low tissue concentrations of iron and zinc may lead to recurrent tonsillitis.