Breathing problems in childhood are quite common and worry families. Frequently in ear, nose and throat outpatient clinics; We encounter families who complain that their child constantly breathes through the mouth or snores. In the examinations, some of these children have enlarged adenoids and tonsils, while some of them have simple snoring or allergy symptoms. Although enlarged adenoids and tonsils are understood as simple problems among the public; I wonder if they are really simple problems?
Adenoid is a lymphoid tissue that serves as a member of the immune system, located where the back of the nose opens to the mouth. It can grow and become obstructive to the airway due to infections or structural reasons. The human body is programmed to breathe through the nose during sleep and at rest. Disruption of this routine by an obstructive structure such as adenoids can cause many problems. For example, in children with enlarged adenoids, dental and jaw structure disorders occur due to constant mouth breathing. Impaired nasal breathing can disrupt the environment of beneficial bacteria (flora) living in the mouth, causing tooth decay and bad breath. Recurrent infections may occur due to both the disruption of the oral flora and the discharge produced by the adenoid. As a result of the adenoid becoming the focus of infection and affecting the Eustachian tube, which provides ear ventilation, problems such as fluid accumulation in the ears and frequent ear infections may occur.
Tonsils are two lymphoid formations located where the oral cavity opens to the throat area. It can grow and cause many problems due to infections or the body's congenital predisposition. It can cause airway problems such as snoring and stopping breathing while sleeping; Frequently recurring throat infections can cause problems such as high fever. If the group A beta hemolytic streptococcus bacteria, popularly known as "beta microbes", causes tonsil infections, it may manifest itself with heart rheumatism and kidney diseases in later ages. Nutritional disorders, growth and development problems especially in children with adenoid and tonsil problems during their growth and development years. Diarrhea and speech disorders may occur.
Considering all these results, adenoid and tonsil problems in children are conditions that require treatment or follow-up. Snoring during sleep, sleeping open; Children who have frequent throat-ear infections should be taken to the ENT department and examined. Depending on the severity of the disease, medication or surgery are among the options that can be applied.
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