It is often said: my child suffers from adenoids. As if it were a health problem or disease. In reality, the adenoid in children, just like the tonsils, is part of the immune system and is responsible for producing antibodies.
The adenoid in children, or adenoid tissue as it is popularly known, is responsible for defending the body against foreign agents entering the body. It is usually larger in the first years of life and tends to shrink over the years, reaching its normal size around 6 to 7 years of age. However, in some cases, it is noticed that the child breathes through the mouth and snores when sleeping, and these are clear signs that the adenoid is blocking the passage of air, causing nasal obstruction and some discomfort, including at sleep time.
The child sleeps poorly, becomes restless, and this can affect development since growth hormones are developed during sleep. Additionally, because it is a region internally connected to the ears, throat, and nose, it can trigger consecutive infectious processes, as it acts as an entry point for bacteria and viruses. In some isolated and more serious cases, increased adenoid size can compromise hearing or cause frequent ear infections. In terms of psychomotor development, it can affect school performance and even alter skull development, causing malformation. All of these changes also affect the shape of the teeth, the jaw bone, and the inside of the mouth.
In these cases, where discomfort, infections, and developmental damage are observed, treatment with a specialist is recommended. Treatment is usually started with medications aimed at solving the problem of adenoids in children. There are cases that do not respond to these treatments and require surgical repair.
Children’s Adenoid Surgery
Once adenoiditis is diagnosed through tests such as a facial X-ray and nasal endoscopy, and medication treatment like antibiotics has been ruled out, children’s adenoid surgery may be recommended. Adenoid surgery is considered a very simple and safe procedure, consisting of the removal of excess mucosa in the affected region, clearing the passage for air. General anesthesia is required for the removal, and it can be performed together with tonsil removal if the specialist sees fit.
After children’s adenoid surgery, absolute rest is required, especially in the first few hours after the procedure, to prevent the risk of hemorrhage and bleeding. Normally, it takes 4 to 7 days for full recovery, which may be longer in some cases. In addition to rest, a suitable diet is recommended to assist healing. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended for a better and faster recovery, but milk and dairy products, considered fatty liquids, should be avoided as they can interfere with the healing process.
Juices, ice cream, gelatin, yogurt, and foods blended in a blender are recommended, with preference given to cold foods that act directly on healing after children’s adenoid surgery. Solid foods should be avoided for at least 7 days to avoid bleeding and pain in the repaired region.
It is common to develop a low-grade fever in the first 3 days, accompanied by mild bleeding. In the case of excessive bleeding, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Pain and discomfort in the first days is inevitable, especially in the throat and jaw area, which occurs due to the position during surgery, but it can be relieved with pain medications.
Not all specialists recommend adenoid surgery for children, since after a few years the size of the adenoid will naturally decrease, lowering inflammation and discomfort. If these symptoms do not improve over the years, especially at bedtime, surgery may be considered in adulthood.
See also: Pneumonia in Children – How to Detect?
Photo: SantaRosa OLD SKOOL
