Adenoid Removal in Louisville, KY
Like the tonsils, adenoids are part of the immune system—but for some children, they can cause more harm than good. Located at the back of the nasal cavity, this small clump of lymphatic tissue helps block bacteria and viruses from spreading further into the body. While adenoids play an important role in early childhood (especially in kids under the age of 5), they typically shrink as a child approaches adolescence. At Louisville Family ENT, we specialize in diagnosing and treating enlarged or infected adenoids for families throughout Louisville and surrounding areas such as Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, Hikes Point, and Middletown, KY. If your child is experiencing chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or frequent ear and sinus infections, it may be time for an adenoid evaluation.
Do I Need to Have My Adenoids Removed?
Adenoids can become infected and enlarged, making it hard to breathe and speak. Frequent colds, sinus infections and ear infections can make removing the adenoids a medical necessity for some people, particularly when they interfere with breathing. Here are some symptoms you should definitely discuss with your ENT:
- Breathing and speaking problems
- Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes characterized by snoring)
- Recurring ear and sinus infections
Breathing difficulties can be scary and dangerous, so always contact us about these right away. For young children, hearing and speech development can also suffer if their adenoids are enlarged. In these cases, an adenoidectomy may be the best course of action.
Adenoids and tonsils can often be removed during the same operation if both are a concern. We’ll describe the process and give you pre-op instructions to follow before the surgery, as well as detailed recovery instructions.
What Are the Side Effects of an Adenoidectomy?
Adenoid surgery is generally safe, but side effects may include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Pain in the area, including the ears
- Foul breath
- Bleeding. Any bleeding after surgery should be treated as an emergency and requires immediate attention.
How Long Will it Take to Recover from an Adenoidectomy?
The surgery itself takes about a half-hour, and we often monitor patients until the anesthesia wears off. You’ll likely need to take a week to 10 days off of your regular activities (including work and school), and at least 3 weeks before you start any vigorous physical activities again. Some side effects, like a stuffy nose, may take a few months to go away.
