Adenoid and Tonsil Problems in Children

Adenoid and Tonsil Problems in Children

Adenoids and tonsils are parts of the body’s innate defense system. They usually grow in size after 1-2 years of age. After 8-9 years of age, their size gradually decreases. Adenoid and tonsil infections are a common reason for children to consult a doctor. Adenoid and tonsil surgery are among the most common surgeries performed on children in our country and around the world.

What kind of problems do large adenoids and tonsils or frequent infections cause in children?

If the adenoid is larger than a certain amount, it causes complaints such as nasal congestion, sleeping with the mouth open and snoring in children. It is also a reason for fluid to develop in the ears. This condition may cause hearing loss in the child, resulting in attention deficit, developmental delay, and decreased school success. In addition, keeping the mouth open all the time can disrupt the development of teeth, palate and jaw, leading to the face shape we call “adenoid face” in the child. Therefore, adenoid surgery should be performed in children who have been followed for a while and whose complaints do not improve.
Tonsil problems usually occur with frequent tonsil infections with fever and/or tonsils being larger than they should be, swelling in the neck, weakness, and joint pain. With a detailed anamnesis and examination, the child’s condition is determined and, if necessary, tonsil surgery can be performed.

How to Treat Tonsil Infection?

Antibiotics, painkillers and antipyretics are used in the treatment of tonsil infection. Tonsillectomy is recommended for patients who have tonsillitis accompanied by high fever at least 4-5 times a year, snore, sleep with their mouth open, or develop an abscess around the tonsil even once.

Tonsils can also be a major cause of bad breath. Food residues enter the small spaces on the tonsils, stink there and turn into tonsil stones, which can cause bad breath. Tonsillectomy is also recommended to eliminate bad breath.

At What Age Can Adenoid and Tonsil Surgeries Be Performed?

There is no age limit for adenoid surgery. It can be done at any age if necessary. However, if the problem is not very serious, we generally prefer to wait until the age of 2.

Generally, 3 years of age is waited for tonsil surgery. However, if the patient’s complaints are severe, such as night breathing, blockages and feeding difficulties, surgery can be performed at an earlier age.

Do Adenoid and Tonsil Surgeries Cause Weakening of the Immune System?

Many studies on this subject have not found any evidence that the immune system is weakened after surgery.

Why should we have surgery if the adenoids and tonsils will shrink with age?

The adenoid, which starts to grow at approximately 2 years of age, begins to shrink until 9-10 years of age. Some of the damages that may occur to the child during this period (such as dental problems on the palate and palate) are problems that are difficult to reverse and require serious treatment. In addition, during this period, it is very harmful for the child’s growth and development if the child sleeps in an unhealthy manner, having difficulty breathing and being blocked every evening. Therefore, the “wait for it to shrink” approach is not an approach we recommend.