Hello, I can understand your concerns. It is quite true what your doctor has suggested. Persistent cough and cold symptoms along with swollen tonsils and adenoids are a common indication for tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils). Tonsillectomy is not an emergency surgery and you do not have to worry about delaying it. The surgery is not performed when a child already has an active infection going on. In your son s case it is his new onset cough and cold that he is going through. The infection must subside before he can be sent for surgery. You must also remember that just having the tonsils removed does not mean that he will not get a sore throat again. Always the best position for a child to sleep is supine ie, he has to lie on his back. This can provide him with adequate oxygenation. It is never advisable for a child to lie with his face down that will obscure his nostrils and might cause breathing difficulties. As of now, you can take care of your child by providing him supportive measures and following the antibiotic regimen if any prescribed to cure his cold after which you can revisit your ENT for scheduling the surgery.