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Adenoid and tonsils are lymphatic tissue located in upper respiratory tracts. When they get big, they can block the airway and cause some symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, obstructed breathing, continuing nasal discharge, sleeping mouth open, night sweat, uncomfortable sleep, lack of appetite, growth failure, and developmental disorders of teeth and jaw.
This tissue is active especially during childhood, so the problems are encountered then. When adenoid and tonsils get smaller gradually by themselves, the problems may be temporary for some children. However, if medication does not solve the problem, then an operation is inevitable.
What are the Functions of Adenoid and Tonsils?
Adenoids sit where the back of the nose meets the throat and produce antibodies that help fight off infections. That’s why; adenoid illnesses may both reduce nasal breathing and cause middle ear infection.
The tonsils sit on either side of the back of the throat (pharynx). Their excessive growth may obstruct airway and lead to infections frequently. These illnesses may be treated with various medications. However, when medication treatment is insufficient, they should be removed.
Adenoid and tonsils may get smaller by time, but there is no need to wait if the airway is blocked because airway blockage may result in permanent problems in facial growth and development. Their removal will not cause harm to the infection-fighting system.
How is Adenotonsillectomy Performed?
Adenoid can be easily removed from inside the mouth by special curettes or from the nose by a machine called shaver without making an incision. Adenoid and tonsil operations can be done at the same time.
On the other hand, in tonsillectomy, thermal welding – a kind of thermal energy - is utilized to excise the tonsillar tissue. This helps to control bleeding easily and reduces the risk of postsurgical complications. Thermal welding does not damage the recovery period of the tissue. It also reduces the pain considerably in the first 48 hours and shortens the period of going back to usual eating habits.
What is the Most Appropriate Age for Adenotonsillectomy?
Although tonsillectomy can be done at any age, it is better to wait until the age of 3 unless there is a health risk. If the doctor is sure about the diagnosis, the surgery shouldn’t be postponed. Adenoid and tonsils that cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing must be removed as soon as possible. If they are not treated, they can lead to serious health problems such as rheumatic heart disease, teeth problems, sleep apnea and nephritis.
Eating After Adenotonsillectomy
After adenotonsillectomy, in order to speed up recovery, prevent dehydration, and minimize the risk of bleeding, it is very important to consume fluids. The patient can eat anything except for acidic and hot foods. Fizzy drinks such as orange juice and alcohol may harm the throat. Softer foods like ice cream and puree can be consumed. Avoid hot drinks or foods like crisps that will irritate the throat or cause coughing.
Recovery
Children should rest for 7 to 10 days after their operation. They recover completely in 3 weeks. In order to reduce the risk of infection, avoid people with cold.
What are the Risks?
Adenotonsillectomy is quite a reliable procedure and the possibility of experiencing serious complications is rare. Some symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, swallowing difficulty, low fever, earache and weakness, which can be easily treated, may occur. The bleeding after the surgery is generally mild. If bleeding does happen, contact your doctor. Children recover faster and easier than adults.