Children and teenagers can struggle with respiratory problems related to the adenoids, which are small disease-fighting organs in the back of the throat. Let’s learn about how adenoids help or hinder respiratory health and when surgical removal may be necessary.
What Do the Adenoids Do?
Adenoids are twin pink mounds of lymphoid tissue behind the nose. They play a vital role in the respiratory health of children through the early teen years. They function as part of the body’s immune defense system, fighting off disease-causing microorganisms which enter through the nose and mouth.
When bacteria or viruses are inhaled, the adenoids trap and hold onto them. Adenoids also produce antibodies. So, these are highly beneficial to respiratory health and function. However, this natural defense system can cause inflammation and enlargement of the adenoids and airway blockage.
Interestingly, adenoids are the largest and most active when kids need them most: early to mid-childhood. Adults rarely have sizable adenoids as these tissues usually disappear completely in the teen years.
Kids with problematic (extra-large and/or infected) adenoids may exhibit a number of concerning symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Snoring
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth and lips because of mouth breathing
- Ear pain
- Nose bleeds
- Difficulty sleeping
- Runny nose
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
When children experience these upper respiratory symptoms consistently, consultation with a board-certified ear, nose and throat doctor is highly recommended. The doctor will perform a physical examination, blood work and may even suggest imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. These tests will help him determine the size and condition of the adenoids. Parents should be specific about the symptoms they see in their children.
If the child’s adenoids are enlarged and cause persistent or recurrent problems, they may need to be removed through a brief surgical procedure called an adenoidectomy. This is usually a same-day surgery.
The child is put under general anesthesia, and the adenoids are removed through the mouth. Recovery time varies a bit, but most children can return to normal activities within a week or so of the procedure.
Parents should monitor their children closely for:
- Sleep apnea (periodic cessation of breathing while asleep)
- Recurrent sinus and tonsil infections (sinusitis and tonsillitis)
- Very nasal vocal quality (as if the nose is being pinched closed)
While most cases of enlarged adenoids can be treated with medication (corticosteroid nasal sprays for example) or avoiding allergic triggers, some patients improve dramatically after surgery.
When Should We Consider Adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy, or removal of the adenoids, is a relatively simple surgical procedure performed on a same-day or outpatient basis. It takes about half an hour under general anesthesia.
An adenoidectomy requires no suturing or extended recovery time. The ear, nose and throat doctor uses a lighted scope and small surgical tools, or even heated cautery, to reduce the amount of adenoid tissue significantly.
After returning home (usually the same day), the young patient must rest and consume liquids and a soft food diet. Over the counter medications help with the sore throat, ear pain and other discomforts following surgery. Families should adhere to the post-operative instructions given by the ENT surgeon to ensure proper healing and to minimize risk of complications.
In fact, surgical removal of adenoids can provide significant respiratory relief for children suffering from chronic nasal congestion, sleep apnea and recurrent ear infections. This procedure can improve their overall quality of life and ability to breathe–and even to speak–properly.
If your child is experiencing persistent symptoms despite medication or lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider adenoidectomy as a treatment option.
Consulting Your ENT Doctor about Adenoidectomy Surgery
Dr. Scott William Franklin treats many patients who have difficulties with their adenoids. He is an expert in conservative treatments and also provides the best adenoidectomy surgeries in the Georgetown, TX, area.
Contact the office team at Georgetown ENT today for a helpful consultation with Dr. Franklin. Call (512) 869-0604 or request an appointment by filling in our online form here.
We look forward to discussing treatment options which really work to relieve symptoms and improve respiratory health.
