Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids – glands located above the mouth’s roof, behind the nose.
In children, adenoids are an important part of the child’s immune system and protect against germs that may enter the body through the nose or mouth. Typically, these glands shrink and disappear by the teenage years.
However, sometimes these glands become swollen and enlarged as they fight off the germs. In such cases, adenoidectomy is performed. Let’s talk about the symptoms caused by enlarged adenoids, when adenoids need to be removed, and where you can go for comprehensive ENT care in Georgetown, TX.
Symptoms of Swollen, Enlarged, or Infected Adenoids
Children below the age of 7 years are mostly affected by swollen and enlarged adenoids. Infants and younger children may also develop these but cannot express the symptoms of enlarged adenoids.
Common signs of enlarged adenoids you must look out for include:
- Stuffy or runny nose without any illness
- Noisy breathing
- Breathing through mouth
- Cracked lips and dry mouth
- Snoring
- A nasal-sounding voice
- Poor sleep
- Pause in breathing during sleep
- Frequent nasal infection
If you have any such signs and symptoms, take your child to an otolaryngologist for a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Signs That Warrant Adenoidectomy
Before suggesting adenoidectomy, your child’s doctor will consider your child’s medical history, do a physical examination, and order diagnostic tests, such as an x-ray.
The otolaryngologist will recommend adenoid removal surgery if your child has problems like:
- Recurring infection of the ear that is not going away with antibiotics
- Excessive daytime sleepiness because adenoids interfere with a child’s sleep
- Repeated infection of adenoids that is not responding to antibiotics
- Fluid buildup in the ear
- Pain in the ear due to swelling of adenoids
- Sleep apnea due to swollen, enlarged adenoids
- Learning and behavioral issues due to lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep
Otolaryngologist for Adenoidectomy Surgery
Typically, an otolaryngologist performs adenoidectomy surgery. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who is specialized in treating disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. The otolaryngologist performs adenoidectomy on an outpatient basis, so your child won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
Adenoidectomy Surgery Near Me in Georgetown, TX
If you think your child is having symptoms similar to the swollen adenoid gland and want a thorough evaluation, don’t hesitate to contact us at Georgetown ENT.
Our ENT doctor Dr. Scott William Franklin is an expert in treating pediatric and adult patients with nose, ear, and throat-related problems and medical conditions. Our otolaryngologist is also trained in sleep medicine and can successfully treat sleep apnea, particularly if your child’s adenoid problem is the cause of sleep apnea.
To schedule an appointment with our otolaryngologist, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
