Adenoidectomy
We’ve all heard of children having their tonsils removed. Adenoids are another form of spongy tissue that helps protect young children against infection. As we grow up, we become less dependent on the tonsils and adenoids for fighting off infection as our bodies develop other, more effective ways of warding off infection. By the time we reach our teenage years, the adenoids dramatically decrease in size and do not serve much of a purpose.
In some cases, the adenoids can swell as they work to fight off infection. The swelling may reduce in a short period of time. However, some children experiencing adenoid swelling that lost quite some time and causes a variety of problems including ear problems, swollen neck glands, a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, a sore throat, and interrupted sleep.
An ENT doctor is likely to recommend antibiotics for children with swollen adenoids in order to fight off the infection and reduce swelling. This line of treatment is not always effective, however. Adenoidectomy in children is common and helps to alleviate symptoms long term.
Since the procedure for removing the adenoids can be done through the nostrils, adenoidectomy recovery is usually short-lived and children are able to get back to their normal activities in a relatively short period of time.
Certain precautions should be taken before and after the procedure to facilitate the healing process and to ensure a successful surgery. For instance, it is important to not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before the procedure. It is also imperative that your child does not eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before the procedure. Your ENT surgeon will go over all of these details with you, and it is important to follow every precautionary step so that no complications arise. Post-surgery care will also go more smoothly when you follow the guidelines set forth by your child’s doctor.