In childhood, the most significant health issues often originate from the upper respiratory tract. One of the most common factors in health problems developing in the upper respiratory tract is the adenoid. The adenoid is a tissue located in the nasopharyngeal region behind the nasal cavity. It functions as a barrier to block the spread of bacteria and viruses entering from the nose into the body and is also involved in antibody production. However, especially after the age of 3, the adenoid may lose its previous function, swell, and cause children to become ill. Since there are other structures in the body responsible for protecting against bacteria and viruses and producing antibodies, children who have their adenoids removed may experience fewer illnesses as they are relieved from problems caused by this tissue.
What Are the Symptoms of Adenoid in Children?
The prominent symptoms of health problems caused by the adenoid in children include;
• Snoring during sleep,
• Earache,
• Loud breathing,
• Nasal congestion,
• Loss of appetite,
• Headache,
• Developmental abnormalities in facial bones,
• Sinusitis
can be listed as follows.
Can Enlarged Adenoids Cause Growth Retardation?
Children who have difficulty breathing through the nose due to adenoid problems and constantly breathe through the mouth are at risk of facing dental development issues. Additionally, since the adenoid prevents comfortable sleep, some hormones that are intensively secreted during sleep and play a role in growth may be secreted less, which can inhibit children's growth.
When Should a Decision Be Made for Adenoid Surgery?
Children experiencing problems due to adenoid issues should be thoroughly examined by a specialist doctor. After this examination, surgery may be recommended if deemed necessary by the doctor. Adenoid infections in children are usually treated with antibiotics. Infections that recur frequently may eventually become resistant to antibiotics, and continuous medication use may affect the kidneys. Particularly to overcome breathing difficulties caused by the swelling of the tissue, surgery is recommended. Following surgery, the patient's quality of life can significantly improve.
Children who can be discharged the same day after surgery performed under general anesthesia should follow the doctor's dietary recommendations on the day of surgery. The next day, they can resume their daily activities and attend school. Adenoidectomy is a simple surgical intervention and can create noticeable results in the child's life. However, it is crucial that the surgery is performed by expert physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is adenoid surgery performed?
Adenoid surgery is performed on children between the ages of 1 and 7. The adenoid starts to shrink on its own after the age of 7 and nearly disappears during adolescence.
What happens if the adenoid is not removed?
Untreated adenoids can cause chronic nasal congestion, constant mouth breathing, sleep problems, loss of appetite, developmental disorders, and frequent recurring ear infections in children. In the long term, growth retardation and facial bone deformities may also develop.
What should be paid attention to after adenoid surgery?
On the first day after surgical intervention, hot foods and drinks should be avoided, and soft, lukewarm foods should be preferred. Additionally, the child should avoid excessive physical activities for a while and attend regular check-ups as recommended by the physician.
Can the adenoid grow back?
The likelihood of the adenoid regrowing after surgical removal is quite low. However, in rare cases, some of the tissue may regrow in children who undergo surgery at a young age. In such cases, reevaluation may be necessary.
