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Why is it necessary? of Adenoids and adenoidectomy
There are two main reasons for removing the adenoids. The first is when the adenoids become enlarged (known as adenoid hypertrophy). This may cause the airways to become blocked, and make breathing through the nose difficult.
The blockage can cause a range of symptoms. Some are mild ones like snoring, bad breath (halitosis), a nasal-sounding voice and a runny nose. Some are more severe, including heavy snoring (sleep apnoea), high blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension) and right-sided heart failure.
Enlarged adenoids can also be caused by repeated chest infections or allergies, but in other cases the cause is unknown.
The second reason for removing the adenoids is when they get infected. Since the main purpose of adenoids is to stop bacteria and viruses entering the body, they can often become infected themselves. This can cause long-term ear infection or otitis media.
If these infections continue and interfere with the child’s day-to-day life or schooling, doctors may suggest an adenoidectomy.
