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Adenoid removal in children (adenoidectomy) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

Answers to questions about adenoid removal in children (adenoidectomy)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Are ear infections in children related to their parents smoking?

Research shows that if either parent smokes, their babies and children are more likely to have coughs, colds and ear infections.

Explanation

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, at least 40 of which are known or suspected to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). If you smoke cigarettes, not only are you damaging your health but you are also putting your children's health at risk.

Young children exposed to smoke at home have a higher risk of chest infections and middle ear infections. As a result, children of smoking parents are more likely to have ear infections and glue ear.

Despite the harm second-hand smoke causes, it's estimated that four million people continue to smoke near children.

Giving up smoking can be difficult, but there is lots of help available from your GP or local smoking cessation classes. Smokers who get professional help, including nicotine replacement products and medicines, are four times more likely to successfully quit than people who try with willpower alone.

If you must smoke, try to do it outside. Never smoke in your child's bedroom, or when you are washing, dressing or playing with your child. Never smoke in the car when your children are in the car with you.

Further information

Sources

  • Is tonsillitis in children related to parental smoking in similar way that glue ear, respiratory infections, etc are? www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk, accessed 24 January 2008
  • Sams C. Review: parental smoking increases risk of recurrent otitis media, middle ear effusion, and tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy in children. Evidence-Based Nursing 1998;1:124
  • Secondhand smoke: the impact on children - April 2006. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). http://newash.org.uk, accessed 27 December 2007
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Will an adenoidectomy stop my child from snoring?

Removing the adenoids can help reduce snoring but it may not completely cure it.

Explanation

Snoring is noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during sleep. Snoring occurs when air doesn't flow smoothly through the air passages, or when the soft tissues or muscles in the air passages vibrate. Infected tonsils or adenoids (the spongy tissue between the back of the nose and throat) can narrow the airway and cause your child to snore during sleep. There are, however, several other reasons that may be causing your child to snore.

  • Sinus congestion. Your child is likely to have a blocked, itchy and runny nose if he or she suffers from frequent coughs and colds or has allergies. The lining of the nose and throat may also be swollen. This interferes with sleep and makes snoring more likely.
  • Passive smoking. If you or someone else smokes close to your child, the cigarette smoke can irritate your child's nose and throat, making snoring more likely.
  • Sleeping position. If your child sleeps flat on his or her back the tongue is more likely to fall back into their throat and block their airway, making snoring more likely.
  • Obesity. If your child is overweight he or she is more likely to snore.
  • Medical condition. Asthma can cause your child to snore.

If your child's snoring is being caused by any other reason than enlarged tonsils or adenoids, removing these won't cure the problem. Talk to your GP if you are concerned about your child's snoring.

Further information

Sources

  • van Staaij BK, van den Akker EH, Rovers MH, et al. Effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in children with mild symptoms of throat infections or adenotonsillar hypertrophy: open, randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2004;329:651
  • de Groot H, Brand PLP, Fokkens WF, Berger MY. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children. BMJ 2007;335:985-988
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Will an adenoidectomy stop my hay fever?

There is no evidence to suggest that an adenoidnectomy will stop hay fever.

Explanation

Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) means you are allergic to pollen and/or fungal spores. Some of the symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. The condition affects about 15 percent of people in the UK and a quarter of people aged between 11 and 21. It seems that hay fever is becoming more common worldwide, especially in children.

Enlarged adenoids may cause symptoms that are similar to hay fever such as a blocked or runny nose, sore throat and feeling unwell but they are unlikely to cause sneezing or itchy eyes. There is no evidence to suggest removing the adenoids will help improve hay fever.

However, there are measures you can take to make life as comfortable as possible. The first step is to find out if you definitely have hay fever. If your symptoms only come on during late spring and summer then it's possible that you have hay fever. The second step is to find out what is causing your allergy. You may be allergic to one or more types of pollen - this will determine when your symptoms are most severe. Some possible causes include:

  • tree pollen - symptoms are worse from April to May
  • grass pollen - symptoms are worse from May to August
  • weeds and spores (fungi and moulds) - symptoms are worse from June to November

Knowing what you are allergic to can help your GP or pharmacist plan your treatment better. There is a range of treatments available and you can buy some of these medicines over the counter.

Always get advice from your GP or pharmacist before starting any medication, even if you don't need a prescription for it. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Some medicines may take a while to have an effect so it's best if you can start taking them before your symptoms start. You may not notice an immediate improvement, but it's usually worth carrying on taking them for a few weeks.

Nasal sprays and drops

Nasal sprays and drops can help if you have problems with your nose. There are many different types including:

  • steroid-based - these are most likely to reduce inflammation.
  • antihistamines - these work against the effects of histamine to reduce sneezing and itching
  • decongestants - these reduce swelling in the lining of your nose and prevent mucus production

Eye drops

These can help if you suffer from itchy eyes.

Tablets

If you don't like using eye or nose drops, you may find tablets helpful. These usually contain antihistamines, which work to reduce sneezing, watering eyes and an itchy mouth and throat. It's important that you are aware that some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy.

Further information

Sources

  • Hay fever. AAIR Charity. www.aaircharity.org, accessed 25 January 2008
  • Treatments for hay fever and rhinitis. Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 25 January 2008
  • What causes hay fever and rhinitis? Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 25 January 2008
  • Pollen, fungal spores and allergies. National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit. www.pollenuk.co.uk, accessed 25 January 2008
  • de Groot H, Brand PLP, Fokkens WF, Berger MY. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children. BMJ 2007;335:985-988
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: May 2009.

Adenoid removal in children (adenoidectomy) factsheet

 

 

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