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Adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) in children Q&As

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

Answers to questions about 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?

Yes. There is research to suggest that if either parent smokes, his or her babies and children are more likely to have coughs, colds and ear and throat infections.

Explanation

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, at least 69 of which are known or suspected to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). If you smoke cigarettes, not only are you damaging your health but you're 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 with parents who smoke are more likely to have ear infections and glue ear.

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

If you continue to smoke, try to do it outside. Never smoke when your child is with you.

Further information

NHS Smoking Helpline
0800 022 4332
www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Smoking Quitline
0800 002 200
www.quit.org.uk

Sources

  • Is tonsillitis in children related to parental smoking in similar way that glue ear, respiratory infections etc...are? Trip Answers. www.tripanswers.org, accessed 23 April 2009
  • ASH research report: Impact of secondhand smoke on children. Action on Smoking and Health. www.ash.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Otitis media with effusion. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Poisonous smoke. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerresearchuk.org, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Smoking and cancer: second-hand smoke. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerresearchuk.org, accessed 23 April 2009
  • NHS stop smoking services and nicotine replacement therapy. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
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Will an adenoidectomy stop my child from snoring?

Removing the adenoids - particularly along with the tonsils - can help reduce snoring but 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 can narrow the airway and cause your child to snore. However, there are several other reasons that may cause your child to snore.

  • If your child suffers from frequent coughs and colds or has allergies, he or she is likely to have a blocked, itchy and runny nose. The lining of the nose and throat may also be swollen. This interferes with sleep and can make snoring more likely.
  • If you or someone else smokes close to your child, the cigarette smoke can irritate your child's nose and throat and result in snoring.
  • Sleeping position. If your child sleeps flat on his or her back, the tongue is more likely to fall back into the throat and block the airway, which can make him or her snore.
  • If your child is overweight or obese, he or she is more likely to snore.
  • A medical condition such as asthma can cause your child to snore.

If your child's snoring is caused by a reason other than enlarged tonsils or adenoids, removing these won't cure the problem. If you're concerned about your child's snoring, ask your GP for advice.

Further information

ENT UK
www.entuk.org

Sources

  • Lim J, McKean MC. Adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. doi:10.1002/14651858
  • The effectiveness of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome: a meta-analysis. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. www.crd.york.ac.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Adenoid hypertrophy. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Guidelines for GPs and other doctors. The Sleep Apnoea Trust. www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Who gets sleep apnoea? The Sleep Apnoea Trust. www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org, accessed 23 April 2009
  • Service framework for respiratory health and wellbeing. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, January 2009. www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
  • Marshall NS, Almqvist C, Grunstein RR, et al. Predictors for snoring in children with rhinitis at age five. Pediatr Pulmonol 2007; 42(7):584-91. doi:10.1002/ppul.20606
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Will an adenoidectomy stop my child's hay fever?

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

Explanation

Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) means you're allergic to pollen and/or fungal spores. Some of the symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Enlarged adenoids may cause symptoms that are similar to hay fever such as 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 your child has hay fever. If the symptoms only come on during late spring and summer, then it's possible that he or she has the condition. The second step is to find out what is causing the allergy. Your child may be allergic to one or more types of pollen - this will determine when the symptoms are most severe.

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

Always get advice from your GP or pharmacist before starting any medication and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Further information

Allergy UK
01322 619898
www.allergyuk.org

Sources

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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: November 2009

 

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