Tonsils are located in the back of the throat and adenoids are located behind the nose. The are a filter for bugs (bacteria and viruses) to help protect against infections. In many people, they shrink by the age of 6 or 7 but not in all people. I am one of those who had to have them removed. They used ether back then. And they are responsible for the collapse of my upper arch. This happens in almost all kids who have large tonsils and adenoids. The result is usually snoring and sleep apnea.
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in kids include snoring, breathing pauses restlessness during sleep, night sweats, excessive daytime tiredness, many throat infections, dark circles under the eyes, bed wetting during the night. During the daytime, these children may be misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD.
Removal of tonsils and adenoids can help open the airway and may be all that is needed to stop OSA. But if it is done too late, the result may be OSA in teen years and adult years.
Removal of tonsils and/or adenoids is usually tolerated well, but is necessary in maintaining health, just as many medical procedures are. The surgery can also help with tonsil stones and swallowing problems. It is among the most common surgery done on kids on an outpatient basis.
There is an easy test to determine if your child has OSA and it is a home sleep test. Make a free consultation appointment to find out more.