Tonsils and Adenoids

Tonsils and adenoids are structures in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the immune system. Tonsils are round masses located on both sides of the throat. The adenoid is located on the upper side of the pharynx at the back of the nose.

Both the tonsils and adenoids capture pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. They produce antibodies with the immune cells in them to prevent the spread of these pathogens to the body.

While the tonsils are easily visible when the mouth is wide open, the adenoid can only be seen with a camera or x-ray. In many children, the nasopharynx begins to shrink after the age of 9. It almost completely disappears in adolescence.

What are the signs and symptoms of enlarged tonsils/nasopharynx?

• Stoping or pausing breathing during sleep

• Snoring or loud breathing

• Mouth breathing

• Restless sleep, bedwetting and waking up frequently

• Difficulty swallowing

• Having frequent upper respiratory tract infections

• Liquid-induced hearing loss in the middle ear

• Chronic/recurrent sinusitis

• Bad halitosis

• Change in voice

How to treat tonsils/adenoids that cause complaints?

Conditions where tonsil and adenoid surgery may be necessary

• Frequent recurrent tonsillitis and adenoids

• A cause of snoring and sleep apnea congestion

• Recurrent sinusitis or presence of fluid in the middle ear

• suspected tonsil cancer

Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy is a day-care procedure. However, in some cases, the doctor may request that the child be hospitalized for one day after the operation in order to follow up.

Every surgical procedure has risks. Talk to your doctor about all the risks of surgery during the examination.

The risk of general anesthesia in tonsillectomy surgeries is 2-3%, as in every surgery, 5-10 days after the surgery. There may be a risk of bleeding for days. Especially in children with poor eating and drinking after surgery Dehydration, fever and weight loss can be observed due to low fluid intake.

After the surgery;

Your throat may appear white – this is normal during the healing process, do not worry.

• Moderate or severe sore throat lasting for one or two weeks

• Bad breath lasting for up to two weeks

• Swelling of the tongue and throat

• Foreign body sensation in the throat

Pain control and a good recovery What can be done for:

• Medications. Prescription pain relievers can be taken.

• Chewing gum is good for pain.

• Drinks & Foods. Adequate fluid intake is very important after surgery to prevent dehydration. Water and ice cream are good options. Soft, non-solid foods that are easy to swallow can be given after surgery. Solid and hot foods should not be used for 1 week. Acidic, spicy and crunchy foods and drinks are undesirable as they can cause pain and bleeding.

• Rest. Bed rest and heavy activities—such as running and cycling—should be prohibited for 1 week after surgery for the first 3 days after surgery. your child; You can send him to school when he does not need painkillers, sleeps comfortably at night and switches to normal nutrition.

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