Adenoid surgery is a common and simple surgery that has helped improved the quality of life of many children and adults. The adenoids are crafted of lympathic tissue are located in the back of the nose. They are directly related to the tonsils, and like the tonsils, adenoid removal is sometimes required to improve one’s general health and well being. The adenoids, like the tonsils, work to ward off infection and produce antibodies. They often have to work especially hard in children, who are exposed to viral illnesses very frequently. Those who have to have the adenoids removed are generally those whose adenoids become very enlarged or swollen. This may be due to the adenoids growing overly large or to them become permanently swollen and inflammed due to having to work overtime to fight infection. This is especially true if individuals have many tonsil problems. In this case, a tonsillectomy may be performed along with the adenoidectomy. Sometimes, doctors will remove tonsils at the same time as the adenoidectomy is performed, even if there have been no previous issues with the tonsils. This is to prevent the development of future conditions or health complications.

Common symptoms that may indicate one is in need of adenoid removal may include bad or “dry” smelling breath; dry mouth; excessively chapped lips; an increasing need to breath through the mouth, especially at night, due to difficulty breathing through the nose; snoring; sleep apnea episodes; getting out of breath more easily; persistent nasal congestion or other nasal problems such as a frequent runny nose; wheezing; and loud, labored, or heavy breathing. Of course, other conditions may cause or contribute to some of these problems, so a qualified doctor will perform certain tests to rule out other, potentially more serious health issues. Using a special mirror, inserting an endoscope through the nose; and performing x-rays may be done to determine if having the adenoids removed will be beneficial to the patient. Some doctors may prescribe antibiotics to see if the swelling goes down without having to have surgery. Surgery is generally thought of as a last resort once other conditions and treatments have been worn out. This is due to the fact that the adenoids generally decrease in size with age, and doctors do not like to perform invasive surgery if there is a chance the problem will go away on its own. In the end, however, the decision of whether or not to have the surgery is up to the patient, as this condition is generally not life threatening but instead may cause discomfort or pain.

The surgery is fairly minor and very common, though generalized risks related to anesthesia, possible bleeding, and possible infections exist as they do in any surgery. The healing process can take anywhere from a few days to a week and may involve a sore throat, sore nose, and having to “relearn” how to breathe or speak properly. Many who have had thesurgery report less frequent ear infections and less frequent sinus infections. Others are able to breathe more easily or may even report an end to or a serious decline in their episodes of sleep apnea. Individuals who have adenoid surgery often report a much better and fuller quality of life.