Tonsil and Adenoid Problems

Pediatric Tonsil and Adenoid Problems

Your tonsils and adenoid are part of your immune/lymphatic system, located in the back of your throat and behind your nose. Tonsil and adenoid tissues help educate your immune system when you are a newborn baby, but by six months of age your immune system is mature and the role that tonsils and adenoid play beyond this point in development is unclear. Sometimes your tonsils and adenoid become infected known as tonsillitis and adenoiditis, which makes your tonsils sore and swollen, and can make it hard to breathe through your nose and maybe even cause ear problems.

The first treatment for infected tonsils and adenoids is antibiotics. If you have frequent infections or trouble breathing, you may need surgery to remove the tonsils and/or adenoid- this is called tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy.

Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery

If the tonsils and/or adenoids seem to be causing problems our ENT specialists may determine that it’s best to remove them. The surgeries to remove the tonsils and adenoids are called tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. They are frequently done together but can easily be separated depending on what needs to be accomplished. 

Typically, when problematic tonsils and adenoids are removed, there are less infections and breathing becomes much easier, especially at night and for those who have sleep apnea because of large tonsils and adenoids. 

Tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies are typically performed on an outpatient basis but because they are still fairly invasive they are done under general anesthesia but staying overnight is not uncommon. During the surgeries, diseased or hypertrophied tissue is removed and areas of bleeding are cauterized (heated to stop the bleeding). 

Recovery from having your tonsils and adenoids removed can vary from around 10 days to 2 weeks for most individuals. Children surprisingly recover quicker on average from tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies compared to adults for some reason. Most experience a very sore throat after surgery and swallowing will be painful for a few days. 

Contact Us Today!

At Boulder Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, we provide the highest quality patient care in a friendly, professional atmosphere. We emphasize personalized customer service, availability, efficiency, honesty and integrity, and attention to detail. We strive to do things the right way at every level, all the time. 

If your child frequently suffers from throat infections, sore throat symptoms, frequently snores, has trouble breathing and sleeping, schedule an appointment with one of our caring and experienced ENT specialists for a full evaluation today!