What is involved with removing the adenoids?
Nasal Passages – results in snoring type noises. The medical term for this is STERTOR. This is a congested, stuffy nose sound that is very common in infants. Please see NASAL OBSTRUCTION, NASAL DEFORMITIES, and ADENOID HYPERTROPHY for more information. Mouth/upper throat (pharynx) – the TONSILS and ADENOIDS are located in this area. Enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids can cause a muffled voice, snoring with pauses in the breathing (apnea) and “Darth Vader” type breathing during the day. In children under three to four years of age, a collection of pus in the tissue behind the pharynx (retropharyngeal abscess) may develop. The voice may sound muffled (more quiet) in these children, as air is unable to get out from the voice box effectively. These abscesses must be drained as soon as possible, so that the airway is not blocked entirely or that the abscess does not break open and allow pus to drain into the lungs. Larynx – The larynx contains the voice box (VOCAL CORDS). The opening b
