Important warning from an ENT specialist

Otolaryngology Specialist Dr. Yunus Karadavut made statements regarding adenoid and tonsil surgeries in children.

Providing a brief definition of the adenoid, Op. Dr. Karadavut said, "The adenoid is located behind the uvula and soft palate, in the upper-rear part of the throat where it meets the nose. Tonsils, on the other hand, are two lymphoid tissues of varying sizes located on both sides of the throat entrance, between the base of the tongue and the uvula. 

Tonsils and adenoids are immune system tissues located at the beginning of the respiratory and digestive systems, making the first contact with inhaled air and ingested food and drink. Adenoid and tonsil problems are generally more common in preschool and school-age children. Today, factors such as the opening of schools, cooling weather, and increasing upper respiratory tract infections also trigger adenoid and tonsil problems," he said.

CONDITIONS REQUIRING SURGICAL INTERVENTION IN CHILDREN

Addressing the complaints that may arise due to adenoids, Dr. Karadavut said, "Complaints such as nasal congestion due to adenoid hypertrophy, mouth breathing during sleep, snoring, sleep apnea, frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections, developmental disorders in teeth, face, and jaw, frequent middle ear infections, hearing loss, growth and development retardation, persistent nasal discharge and sinusitis, bad breath, loss of appetite, and speech disorders may occur.

In such cases and in cases that do not respond to medication, surgery is recommended.

Additionally, surgery is recommended if children have a history of more than 5-6 febrile tonsillitis episodes per year, a history of tonsillar abscess, or conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, or difficulty swallowing due to excessive tonsil enlargement," he stated.

"SURGERIES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AFTER THE AGE OF 3"

Emphasizing that it is preferable for tonsil and adenoid surgeries to be performed after the age of 3, Dr. Karadavut said, "These surgeries can be performed from the age of 3, but if problems such as sleep apnea or breathing pauses during sleep are experienced, the surgery can be performed at an earlier age.

Adenoid and tonsil problems can sometimes be accompanied by middle ear problems.

In cases of recurrent middle ear infections, persistent fluid in the middle ear (chronic serous otitis), or hearing loss, the procedure of inserting ear tubes can be applied in conjunction with adenoid-tonsil surgeries," he said.

DREW ATTENTION TO THE SEMESTER BREAK

Stating that an adenoid surgery takes 15 minutes and a tonsil surgery takes an average of 30 minutes, Karadavut said, "In cases where both need to be performed together, the procedure takes a maximum of 30 minutes.

Our patient is discharged on the same day for adenoid surgery and 1 day later for tonsil surgery. Recovery is possible in a very short time with an appropriate diet after surgery.

The semester break is the most suitable period for adenoid and tonsil surgeries because the diet can be easily implemented and children are at home," he expressed.

News Source: İHA