Problems with tonsils are the bane of many parents. How do you prepare your child for the procedure? What should you pay attention to? When is a tonsillectomy necessary?
Table of contents:
- Palatine tonsils - do they matter?
- Causes of tonsillar hypertrophy
- Consequences of an overgrown tonsil
- Symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy
- Surgical treatment
- How to prepare your child for surgery
Palatine tonsils - do they matter?
Thepalatine tons ils are an even organ located in the so-called oral part of the throat. They play an important role in the formation and maintenance of normal lymphocyte function. The tonsils are the so-called peripheral lymphoid organs. Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil and/or palatine tons ils is one of the most common ENT problems in children.
Causes of tonsillar hypertrophy
Among the most common causes of tonsillar hypertrophy are viral and bacterial infections (mainly caused by Haemophilus influenzae). Other causes indicated as potential causes of tonsillar hypertrophy include allergic rhinitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, mechanical constriction of the nasopharynx, and irritation from tobacco smoke. Hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tons il is considered serious if, upon examination, the doctor indicates that the tonsil fills more than 60% of the surface area of the nasopharynx.
Consequences of an oversized tonsil
Hypertrophyof the tonsil affects impaired nasal patency, impaired pronunciation, mouth breathing, breathing problems, impaired sense of smell, malocclusion, impaired function and patency of the auditory trumpet. In addition, pathogenic bacteria 'residing' in the tonsil can cause recurrent infections of rhinosinusitis.
Throat examination, photo: panthermedia
Symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy
The main symptom that worries parents is problems with nasal patency and breathing through the mouth. The child snores and speaks through the nose. In addition, infections in the upper respiratory tract, ear infections or sinusitis are common. Children diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy are often underweight. The diagnosis should be made by an ENT doctor, who will assess whether there is a need to remove the tonsil.
Surgical treatment
Removal of thepharyngealtonsil, the so-called adenoidectomy, is carried out when the doctor diagnoses a significant reduction in the patency of the nasal part of the throat, the appearance of sleep apnoea, recurrent rhinosinusitis and sinusitis. Removal of the palatine tonsils, or tonsillectomy, is indicated when a diagnosis is made of sleep-disordered breathing syndrome, recurrent tonsillitis caused by streptococcus, or in cases of complications after tonsillitis.
How do I prepare my child for the procedure?
Consult your ENT doctor before the procedure. The doctor will make a referral to hospital for the procedure. Removal of the tonsils can also be carried out privately. It is a good idea to take a few days off work to accompany your child during the time just before and just after the procedure to keep fear to a minimum. It is a good idea to tell older children that they will be given an anaesthetic before the procedure, which will allow them to go through the whole process relatively pain-free. Don't lie to or frighten your child - a hospital stay is stressful in itself, and compounding it with negative emotions can only make things worse. Support your child and be their support. Recuperation after the procedure is relatively quick - the main thing is to follow the recommendations given by the doctor after the procedure.
