The immune system is a complex series of biological processes that protect us from infections and various harmful diseases by discriminating self from non-self.
Children are more prone to infections than adults. The adenoid glands, an indispensable part of the immune system, are responsible to protect the human body from viruses, specifically children. However, they are vulnerable to infection by various factors. Hence, a persistent infection warrants an adenoidectomy surgery.
What Is an Adenoidectomy Surgery?
Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure of removing the adenoids from the lymphatic system, especially in children alleviate pain caused by the enlargement of the adenoids. They often function together with the tonsils by trapping possible pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Most adenoids start to shrink at around ages 5-7. In some cases, the adenoids become completely invisible even before their teenage years.
Let’s talk about other conditions that may be caused by enlarged adenoids:
- Dry mouth and bad breath
- Cracked lips
- Runny nose
- Airway obstruction and blockage
- Ear infections
- Breathing problems
- Snoring
- sleep apnea during the nighttime
- Sinus infections
- Chronic nasal drainage
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Collection of fluid in the ear
- Temporary hearing loss
How Does an Adenoidectomy Surgery Work?
In children, the surgery is primarily performed under anesthesia, and the guidance of a well-trained surgeon, who specialized in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) using sanitized medical tools. Once the medical instruments are placed, the ENT doctor removes the affected adenoid tissue and controls possible bleeding by electrocautery.
Risks of an Adenoidectomy Surgery
Post-surgical risks of an adenoidectomy surgery are very rare, but the following may still appear:
- Failure to resolve breathing problems, sleep apnea, nasal drainage, and ear infections
- Worsened infection
- Excessive bleeding during surgery
- Change in vocal quality
- Possible allergic reactions to anesthesia
Signs that My Child Needs an Adenoidectomy
Visually, it is impossible to predict if your child’s adenoids are enlarged. Therefore, an ENT doctor uses specialized equipment to visualize the area and diagnose the problem efficiently.
The most common symptoms of Adenoidectomy are as follows:
- Snoring
- Irregular breathing pattern
- Restless nights
- Mouth breathing
- Nasal-sounding speaking voice
- Chronic runny nose
- Frequent colds
- Chronic ear infections
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in swallowing
If your child presents any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is crucial to get them checked immediately.
Is Adenoidectomy Surgery the Only Option?
Once diagnosed, the ENT surgeon first exhausts conservative treatment interventions to help reduce the adenoid infection and inflammation. They also prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the pathogenic bacteria and suggest maintaining lifestyle and hygiene modifications. However, the ineffectiveness of these interventions warrants adenoidectomy surgery.
ENT Specialist in Georgetown, TX
An underlying medical condition can develop an ear, throat, or sinus infection in your child. Therefore, it is better to seek medical help immediately to prevent further complications.
If you are looking for quality ear, nose, and throat care for you and your family, then look no further than Georgetown ENT. Our specialists, Dr. Scott W. Franklin, a double-board-certified ENT surgeon, and sleep specialist, and Abeda Mueed, a clinical audiologist, are dedicated to helping you with the best care possible no matter what age.
If you wish to know more about us and our services, feel free to check in online or contact us by calling at (512) 869-0604. You can also secure an appointment ahead of time by using our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
