Adenoids

Adenoids are similar to tonsils and form part of the immune system to help fight infection in the early years of childhood. Adenoids start to grow from birth and reach the largest size at around three years of age. By the age of seven to eight, they start to shrink and progressively disappear in early teens and adulthood. They are located at the back of the nose but are not visible through either the nose or the mouth.

Why remove the Adenoids?

Enlarged and infected adenoids can cause:-

• Blocked nose and disturbed sleep
• Snoring and sleep apnoea (cessation of breathing during sleep)
• Glue ear and repeated ear infections
• Sinus infections – sinusitis

Surgical removal is often required to treat these conditions

Surgical removal of adenoids – Adenoidectomy

This is a quick operation performed under general anaesthetic by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. In most cases your child can go home approximately 6 hours after surgery,once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off and appropriate recovery is made.

Risks of Adenoidectomy

• Bleeding from surgery is the commonest risk, although this is rare
• Some foul smell from the nose usually settles in seven to ten days
• Infection may occur, but this is also very rare
• Blood stained mucous may be seen in the nose and the mouth. This will settle within seven to ten days
• Untoward reaction to anaesthetic may also occur but is also very rare
• A sore throat, earache, and nasal blockage may occur but this will settle very quickly

Please click HERE for more information on the ENTUK website