What is Adenoid Enlargement?
Adenoid is a defensive tissue located on the roof of the nasal cavity behind the nose. This tissue, which fights germs, performs the same function as the tonsils in the throat. He works hard, especially in childhood.
When the adenoid grows excessively, it blocks the airway coming from the nose and makes breathing difficult. This situation causes children to be disturbed while sleeping, sleep with their mouths open, and have difficulty eating. These disorders are experienced not only in children but also in cases of adenoid enlargement in adults. The disadvantage of children is that they cannot express their troubles as they wish.
Adenoids don't just cause discomfort during sleep. Restlessness and sweating before sleeping; It can cause restlessness, fatigue, distraction and hyperactivity during the day. Adenoids may cause loss of appetite. Growth and developmental delay may be observed. Continuous interruption of sleep reduces hormone secretion. Prolonged mouth breathing can impair jaw development. Cough is also among the most typical symptoms.
How to Understand Adenoid Enlargement?
To diagnose adenoid enlargement, it is necessary to first consult an ear and nose specialist. Definitive diagnosis is usually made by endoscopic examination. Very rarely, it can be diagnosed with x-ray, but it can be misleading. Paranasal CT and MRI methods can also be used in diagnosis.
Ways to Prevent Adenoid Enlargement
It is necessary to prevent the child from getting sick. Protective measures such as medication can be taken. If there is an allergy, cortisone sprays can be used. Adenoid enlargement can also be left to time. As the child grows, the adenoid will not grow at the same rate. Thus, over time, the gaps through which air can pass will increase. However, this may take years. It is also suitable for patients who do not have very large adenoids.
Adenoid Enlargement Treatment
The physician and the child's family decide together which path to follow for treatment. The permanent solution is to surgically remove the adenoid. If the child gets sick very often or has a severe obstruction, surgery may be required.
Adenoid Surgery
Adenoid surgery performed under general anesthesia takes approximately 10-20 minutes. With the endoscopic method, the inside of the nose and nasal cavity are visualized in detail and the adenoid is removed. Since it is a bleeding surgery, a tampon is placed. When bleeding control is completed, the tampon is removed and the procedure is terminated.
Postoperative
Food is not given for 3-4 hours after the patient is woken up. He can stand up and usually go home the same day. Pain can be controlled with simple painkillers. You may witness that your child, who has not been able to sleep comfortably until today, sleeps comfortably in the evening. He can return to his completely normal life the next day. The only recommendation is to avoid crowded places for a few days.
