Adenoid Removal Surgery (Adenoidectomy) in Rockwall and Forney, TX
Lakeside Allergy ENT is home to the best otolaryngologists and adenoid specialists in Texas. We provide a wide range of treatments for all types of ear, nose, and throat conditions, including many of the latest advances in ENT treatments such as Balloon Sinuplasty. Our ENT doctors serve patients of all ages at our three convenient locations in Rockwall, and Forney, TX.
If you suffer from adenoiditis, contact us today. Our board-certified otolaryngologists have years of experience performing ENT procedures, including adenoidectomy (adenoid removal surgery).
What is an adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the adenoids, the glands located on the roof of the mouth near the tonsils, where the nose connects to the throat. The adenoids produce white blood cells that help fight infections. Typically, the adenoids shrink during adolescence and may disappear by adulthood. ENT doctors will often perform adenoidectomy (adenoid removal surgery) and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) at the same time.
What causes an adenoid infection (adenoiditis)?
Adenoiditis is inflammation of the adenoids. Symptoms can cascade and cause damage to hearing and respiration. Adenoid problems can cause trouble hearing when they block the draining tubes, called the eustachian tubes, that connect the back of the throat with the middle ear.
Adenoid infections may be caused by:
- Chronic throat and respiratory infections which create inflammation and enlargement of the adenoids
- Bacterial infections, such as streptococcus (also known as strep throat)
- Viruses that cause inflammation of the adenoids
What are the symptoms of an adenoid infection?
Enlarged adenoids can obstruct breathing and block the eustachian tubes, resulting in a number of unpleasant symptoms and related conditions.
Adenoid problems can cause the following symptoms and related conditions:
- Frequent ear infections
- Sore throat
- Nasal sound in speaking
- Ear pain
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stuffiness and difficulty breathing through the nose
- Difficulty sleeping
- Habitual mouth breathing
- Adenoid-related snoring
- Sleep apnea
Repeated middle ear infections due to swollen adenoids and clogged eustachian tubes can have serious implications, such as hearing loss, which can also lead to speech problems.
When is an adenoidectomy recommended?
An adenoid specialist may recommend an adenoid removal if you or your child is suffering from chronic ear or throat infections that:
- Don’t respond to antibiotic treatments
- Recur after medication is stopped
- Occur more than 5 or 6 times per year
- Occur 3 or more times during a 2 year period
- Occur in conjunction with chronic or repeated tonsillitis
- Impede your child’s education due to frequent absences from school
What does an adenoidectomy (adenoid removal surgery) involve?
During an adenoidectomy, you can expect the following:
- The adenoid removal surgery will be done under general anesthesia, so the patient will experience no discomfort
- The procedure may be done in a surgical center or in a hospital
- The adenoids are usually removed through the mouth
- The area is then packed with absorbent material, such as gauze
- Stitches aren’t usually necessary
- After the adenoid removal surgery, the patient will receive medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Patients will typically go home on the same day as the surgery
- Complete recovery from an adenoidectomy usually takes 1-2 weeks
After adenoid removal surgery, hard and crunchy foods and snacks should be avoided during healing. Acceptable food and drink options include water and juice and liquid foods such as Jello, applesauce, ice cream, yogurt, and pudding. An ice collar placed in front of a child’s neck can help with pain and reduce swelling.
Patients will be advised to avoid strenuous activity for up to one week after adenoid removal surgery. Your child may return to school in three to five days, if he or she feels up to it and you have the surgeon’s approval.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
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.