Why is this procedure done?
Your child may have large adenoids. These can block the airway. If so, your doctor may want to remove them. The adenoids are between the throat and the nose in the airway. When the adenoids get large, it is harder to breathe through the nose. This may cause breathing problems, especially when sleeping. Removing the adenoids is also done if your child has long-term ear and sinus infections. ‚
Once the adenoids are removed, your child may speak with a nasal tone to the voice. This is normal. It will often clear up in a few weeks. ‚
What will the results be?
Your child may breathe through the nose better. Your child may have fewer and milder sore throats and ear infections. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your childs history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs your child is taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs your child takes with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell the doctor if you are giving your child any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor the them.
- When your child needs to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once in the operating room, a drug is given to make your child sleepy. It will also help your child stay pain free during the surgery. Your child will be asleep during the procedure. The staff will put an I.V. in your childs arm to give fluid and drugs.
- The doctor places a special device in your child's mouth to make it stay open. This gives the doctor a way to get to the adenoids. The adenoids are taken out and any bleeding is controlled.
- The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
Your child will stay in the hospital for a few hours. This will give the numbing drugs time to wear off. Your child will need to be able to swallow fluids before going home. Full recovery will take 1 to 2 weeks. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Have your child sleep in a room with a humidifier. This will help to keep the nose and throat moist. It may reduce throat infections after surgery. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Breathing problems
- Throwing up blood
Helpful tips
Help keep your child healthy. ‚
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Stay away from sick people. Keep your child out of group play and out of shopping malls for a week or so.
- Keep your child away from people who smoke.
- Do not let your child swim for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/adenoids.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adenoids-and-adenoidectomy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚