Does My Child Need an Adenoidectomy?

Adenoid Removal Surgery (Adenoidectomy) is common surgery to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are glands on the roof of the mouth near the tonsils, where the nose connects to the throat. Properly functioning adenoids produce white blood cells to help fight infection, but in some children, adenoids can become swollen and infected, a condition called adenoiditis, due to recurring bouts of bronchitis, strep throat, and other common childhood illnesses. If left untreated, adenoiditis can damage your child’s hearing.

How Do I Know If My Child Has Adenoiditis?

If your child has had more than four ear infections in a year, complains frequently of ear pain, has difficulty sleeping, is a habitual mouth breather, or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should make an appointment with Lakeside Allergy ENT, home of the best otolaryngologists and adenoid specialists in Texas. Our ENT doctors serve patients of all ages at our three convenient locations in Rockwall and Forney TX, and we can help you determine whether an adenoidectomy is recommended for your child.

When Is an Adenoidectomy Called For?

Our adenoid specialists may recommend an adenoid removal if your child has suffered from chronic ear or throat infections, especially if the infections don’t respond well to antibiotics. Persistent adenoiditis can lead to hearing loss and speech delays in younger children. Because it can affect the way they breathe and sleep, it can also lead to behavior issues and cognitive delays.

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Complete recovery from adenoid removal surgery takes less than two weeks. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, normally as an outpatient procedure. Your child is usually out of recovery within a few hours, although we do have to keep them under observation until they’re able to drink something.  Sometimes, adenoids are removed during a tonsillectomy. At other times, they are removed during tube placement if it’s determined that they are a problem.

Lakeside Allergy ENT is home to three board-certified otolaryngologists who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of all ear, nose and throat related disorders, including adenoid infections and tonsil infections that require surgical treatment. If you or your child has any of the symptoms of an adenoid infection and you want to learn more about adenoidectomy, call our office at 972-771-5443 or get started by requesting an appointment with our adenoid specialists using the form on this page.