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Surgery eases problems
of adenoid more quickly

DUBAI — Adenoids are small glands in the throat, at the back of the nose. They are there to fight germs, says Dr Hussein Al Kadiri, ENT Specialist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.

“Your body can still fight germs without adenoids. We only take them out if they are doing more harm than good. Sometimes children have adenoids so big that they have a blocked nose, so that they have to breathe through their mouths,” he said.

“They snore at night. Some children even stop breathing for few seconds while they are sleep. The adenoids can also cause ear problems by blocking the tube which joins your nose to your ear.”

Adenoids get smaller as you grow, so you may find that nose and ear problems get better with time. Surgery eases these problems more quickly, but it has a small risk. You should discuss with your surgeon weather to wait and see, or to have surgery now.

“If we are taking adenoids out because of ear problems, we may put in grommets at the same time,” explained Dr Kadiri.

“If your child has sore throats or stops breathing at night, we may take their tonsils out at the same time. Before the adenoid operation, you arrange for a week off school. Let us know if your child has a sore throat or a cold in the week before their operation. The operation is done while a child is asleep.”

“The child may go home on the same day of surgery although some surgeons prefer to keep the child in the hospital for one night. “Either way we shall only let him or her go home when he or she is eating and drinking and feels well enough,” he explained.

Operated children should rest at home away from crowds and smoky places. Stay away from people with coughs and colds.

Adenoid surgery is very safe, but every operation has a small risk. The most serious problem is bleeding, which may need a second operation to stop it. However, bleeding doesn’t happen often.

The child’s voice may sound like that they are talking through their nose little. This settles quickly by itself most of the time. The nose may seem blocked up after surgery, but it will clear by itself in a few days. Give your child painkillers if having sore throat, do not give aspirin, it may cause your child to bleed.

If you see any bleeding from your child throat or nose, you must see a doctor. Call your GP, call the ward or go to the nearest hospital casualty department.

Dr Hussein Al Kadiri, ENT Specialist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.

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