What is Adenoid Surgery?

Adenoid glands are an essential part of the immune system. They play a vital role in fighting infections by preventing germs from entering the body through the mouth or nose. It is nonetheless vital to remove them once they swell as a result of infection. Failure to do this results in hazardous impacts, here are some examples:

• Enlarged adenoids cause snoring.
• You will frequently experience ear infections.
• Fluid buildup in the ear as a result of the swelling
• Difficulty in breathing and sleeping

Despite their crucial role in the body, they sometimes get overwhelmed by the bacteria causing infection. This results in swelling, which in severe cases, forces removal of the adenoids through surgery. Naturally, adenoids tend to be large in children aged from one to six years. They then shrink from seven years as their work in the body minimizes. By the time your child gets to be a teenager, the adenoid glands will most likely be gone. Adenoid surgery, also known as adenoidectomy, is a surgery conducted by an ENT doctor to remove swollen adenoids glands. The swelling results from infection or allergies. Below is a detailed discussion of what happens before, during, and after the procedure.

Signs of enlarged adenoids

Behaviors such as your child breathing through the mouth occasionally, having a stuffy or runny nose, cracked lips or mouth and noise breathing are manifestations of enlarged adenoids in your child.

When to see the doctor

Although the above symptoms may not always mean that your child’s adenoid glands are swollen, it is vital to visit the doctor to rule out any form of infection. Depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the situation, the ENT doctor will either recommend a nasal spray to reduce the swelling or give your child antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. In a severe case, the doctor will ask for an adenoid surgery, mostly if your child portrays any of the following discomforts;

• A buildup of fluid in the ear
• A frequent ear infection that does not heal through antibiotics
• Experiences severe snoring during sleep
• And experiences breathing and airway blockage problems

Adenoid surgery procedure

Your child will be under general anesthesia for about 30 minutes as the doctor conducts the surgery. The surgery takes place in an outpatient setting where the adenoids are removed through the mouth. With the help of a small instrument, the doctor will open your child’s mouth and, from here, remove the adenoids by making a small incision sealing the area with a heated device, a procedure also known as cauterizing.

Things to watch out for after the surgery

Excessive bleeding and infections are common in surgery. Therefore, be on the lookout to rule out any dangers resulting from this. Moreover, it will take approximately one to two weeks for your child to fully recover from the procedure. During this time, your child may experience a sore throat and thus should take a lot of fluids to counter this. It is also essential that your child avoids strenuous activities during this time. Additionally, watch what you feed your child. Avoid hot, spicy and crunchy foods and instead complement it with yogurt, pudding, warm chicken or beef, vegetables, soft cooked meats and ice cream. Despite playing a vital role in the body, it is crucial to get the adenoids removed when they swell due to infection or allergies. Before undergoing the process, take precautions and seek help from a qualified ENT doctor.