Most children suffer from ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems. While it is more common in boys that girls, both can have problems with their adenoids. It is important to know that adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy can cause breathing and other problems.
The Immune System and Adenoids
The first thing parents need to do is find out what adenoids are. While problems with adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy are considered to be common ENT problems in children, not as many people enough about the role adenoids play in a child’s health. Adenoids are similar to the tonsils. Both such in germs before they are able to get into the body. Additionally, the adenoids make antibodies that can ward off infections. The role they play in preventing illness diminishes as we age. By the time a chid reaches their teen years, they have been reduced to nearly nothing. Though adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy can still be considered common ear nose and throat problems in children and adolescents.
Sometimes, because the adenoids suck in germs, they can be overrun. When they become infected, they also become inflamed. This is a condition that is referred to as adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy. In rare instances, it can be an issue for adults but is primarily a problem that is seen in children under the age of six.
Now that you know what they do, you should learn about the symptoms of a problem:
Your child may have a problem with adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy if they complain about or you notice:
- A stuffed up nose and breathing difficulties that makes them breathe through their mouth.
- Ear pain and other ear problems without hearing loss.
- The glands in their neck have become swollen.
- They have developed hypernasal speech.
- They are experiencing sleep disordered breathing.
These can all be caused by things other than adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy so it is important to take them to their pediatrician if they experience these symptoms.
Next you need to learn how to take care of adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy. The first thing you pediatrician will try is a course of antibiotics. This is not always a permanent solution to problems with the adenoids. For children who have chronic breathing problems or just have the problem come back time and time again, they will recommend that the adenoids come out. That is called an adenoidectomy. Many times, doctors remove both the tonsils and adenoids at the same time.
The surgery itself is fairly straightforward and simple. Your child will be put to sleep with a general anesthetic. This is an outpatient procedure so you will take your child home after a few hours in recovery.
Tips to Help Your Child After the Surgery:
- Expect their throat to be sore for a few days. This is totally normal. Your pediatrician will probably give you some pain medication to make them more comfortable. They may not want to eat as much after the operation.
- They may have a fever. Again, this is normal and may persist for several days after the surgery. If it gets to be a high fever, meaning it reaches 102 degree or more, you should all your doctor’s office.
- Know the signs of a real problem. When fevers come with a stiff neck, lethargy, a bad headache, nausea or vomiting, you should get medical help.
- Your child may breathe through their mouth and that can lead to snoring. The area in question may swell a bit and that produces the same issue that came along with the inflamed adenoids. It should go away on its own after about two weeks.
- Give them soft foods. For the first day, you should stick to Jello, popsicles and foods like scrambled eggs. Dairy products should be avoided for the first day. After that, they will be able to eat ice cream, pudding or whatever they can tolerate. Make sure they get enough to drink to ward off dehydration that is common after procedures like this.
- Make sure they rest a lot right after surgery and for the first week. They will need it to heal properly.
Many kids have problems with adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy but the surgery is really quite routine They will have a better experience if you know what to expect..
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