Fredericksburg's leading ENT Specialists
Eight amazingly skilled and specialized otolaryngologists see patients at the Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center, an adenoidectomy, with two locations in Fredericksburg, VA, and one in Stafford, VA. This medical facility provides a treasure trove of services to the residents in and around Fredericksburg. Our doctors are here today to explain when and why doctors perform this procedure.
Why and When Do Doctors Remove Adenoids?
This surgery entails the removal of the adenoids. The adenoids are small areas of tissue situated at the back of the nose and above the roof of the mouth. The adenoids work with your immune system—these tissue lumps protect the child from viruses and bacteria unless the adenoids become diseased or problematic.
Many children develop adenoid problems before age seven, and the doctor may want to remove them because of the following,
- Enlarged
- Become chronically infected
- Cause breathing and snoring problems
- Cause ear problems and chronic ear infections
Many times, when a child has their tonsils out, the doctor removes the adenoids along with the tonsils or vice versa. While some adults may have their adenoids removed, it is not as common. Doctors say that as an adult, the adenoids no longer have a viable function, or as a child turns 13, these tissue lumps shrink and disappear.
Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center of Fredericksburg, VA, says that an adenoidectomy is performed when the adenoids cease functioning correctly and cause chronic problems such as recurrent inflammation, infections, allergies, or swelling. Sometimes, adenoids become so swollen they partially block the child's airway.
Surgery to remove the adenoids is one of the most common childhood surgeries and is performed on children aged one to seven. At age seven, the adenoids begin to shrink and entirely disappear at age 13. When adenoids need to be removed and are not, they can cause your child,
- Breathing problems
- Sleep problems
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
How Can the Doctor Tell If My Child Needs Their Adenoids Out?
Our doctor takes a health history and examines your child's adenoids. The examination can be by an X-ray or with a tiny camera placed in your child's nose. We look at the child's symptoms and the appearance of the adenoids before recommending you have them removed.
Seeking a Quality ENT Specialist?
All eight of our esteemed doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center of Fredericksburg, VA, are ready to meet you and assess your child for adenoid problems. Give us a call at 540-371-1226 today and schedule your consultation appointment for a possible adenoidectomy for your child. Our doctors provide extensive services for the ears, nose, and throat.