Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan answered the questions about adenoids and tonsil problems in children.
How Is Adenoid Diagnosed?
If the child has symptoms that suggest adenoid growth, it can be diagnosed by looking at the adenoid area with a small camera through the nose. If the child has problems adapting to this examination, a direct radiograph showing the airway can be taken. In this film, we can see how much the adenoids have blocked the airway.
Are Imaging Methods such as CT, and MRI Needed?
CT is not our preferred imaging method in children. If the appearance of the adenoid and the general condition of the patient during the examination suggest another mass, then an MRI may be performed. It is not used as a routine diagnostic method.
Is It Treatable with Drugs?
If allergy is at the forefront as the reason for the growth of the adenoid, it is possible to shrink it with allergy drugs. In addition to allergy drugs, it is also useful to clean the nose with seawater sprays.
In What Situations Is Surgery Required?
The following conditions are among the main indications for surgery:
- Nasal congestion
- Retaining breath while sleeping
- Frequent recurrent inflammation of the adenoids
- Frequently recurring otitis
- Speech disorder
- Disturbance in tooth and jaw structure
- Growth and development retardation
Sleep quality may be impaired due to adenoid growth. Since this reduces the release of sleep growth hormone, growth improvements in children may be adversely affected. Again, the jaw and tooth structure may change in children who breathe through the mouth, not through the nose, due to adenoids, and tooth decay is more common in these children.