Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Solve The Barrier of Your Child's Health

     Parents are often concerned when their children suffer from chronic colds, loud snoring, or recurrent sore throats. These may not just be common health issues, but could be caused by "Tonsils and Adenoids" that are malfunctioning, becoming a reservoir for germs or obstructing the airway.

Understanding ‘Tonsils’ and ‘Adenoids’

     Tonsils and Adenoids are groups of lymphoid tissues responsible for trapping germs entering the body through the mouth and nose. Tonsils are located on the sides of the throat, while adenoids are located at the very top of the throat, behind the nasal cavity.

Normally, these glands are at their largest between the ages of 3-7, a period when the body is building immunity, and gradually shrink during adulthood. However, in some children, these glands can become chronically inflamed or abnormally enlarged, affecting their quality of life.

When Should Surgery Be Considered?

Medical professionals have clear indications for considering Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy to restore a patient's health, as follows:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) This is the most common reason. When glands are large enough to block the airway, children may snore, wake up gasping, or stop breathing during sleep, which affects brain development and growth.
• Chronic Infection Having sore throats or tonsillitis more than 7 times in a year, or more than 5 times per year for 2 consecutive years.
• Complications from Inflammation Such as a Peritonsillar Abscess or inflammation that continuously spreads to the middle ear and sinuses.
• Suspicion of Tumor In cases where only one side of the tonsil is abnormally enlarged.

Surgical Innovations

     Today, tonsil and adenoid surgery is no longer as concerning as in the past. With modern anesthetic and surgical technologies, such as Radiofrequency (RF) or Coblation, blood loss is minimal, trauma to surrounding tissue is reduced, and patients recover faster. The surgery takes only 30-45 minutes under professional medical care.

Post-Operative Care

The key to rapid healing is post-operative care, especially during the first 1-2 weeks.

• Diet Consume soft and cold foods such as ice cream, yogurt, or cool porridge to reduce irritation.
• Activity Avoid heavy exertion or vigorous coughing to prevent bleeding.
• Rest Drink plenty of water to keep the wound hydrated.

"Surgery is not always the first option. However, if there are clear indications, timely treatment will help children return to breathing easily, sleeping soundly, and growing up healthy and strong."