Pros and Cons of Removing Adenoids

The adenoid is the superior-most of the tonsils, often known as the pharyngeal tonsil or nasopharyngeal tonsil. Positioned behind the nasal cavity, in the roof of the nasopharynx, where the nose connects with the throat, it is a mass of lymphatic tissue that functions as a drainage system. In kids, it typically takes the shape of a soft mound in the nasopharynx's roof and back wall, a little above and behind the uvula. Adenoid enlargement, or overgrowth of the pharyngeal tonsils, is also referred to as adenoid hypertrophy.

Adenoid hypertrophy, or enlargement of the adenoid, can grow to the dimension of a ping pong ball and restrict airflow via the nasal cavity. Even if the swollen adenoid is not significant enough to obstruct the back of the nose, it can restrict the flow of air to the point where breathing through the nose is painful and intake is done through the mouth. The larger adenoid would also impede the nasal passageway significantly to impact voice quality without completely blocking nasal airflow.

Snoring, nasal airway blockage and restricted breathing are all typical signs of symptomatic enlargement between the ages of 18 and 24 months. However, when children reach school age, this can be reasonably expected to decrease, and further shrinkage can be expected. Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the adenoid. 

Increased mucus production is an indication of adenoid inflammation, which can be addressed by removing it. According to research, adenoid regeneration happens in as many as 19 percent of individuals after excision. The adenoid is curetted, cauterized, lasered, or otherwise ablated during adenoidectomy, which is performed through the mouth under a general anesthetic. 

Pros of Removing Adenoids:

Removing adenoids can give you relief from snoring or sleep apnea due to enlarged adenoids. Enlarged or swollen adenoids can cause ear infections that do not respond to medication on a routine basis so removing adenoids will give you permanent relief from such problems.

Adenoid edema causes a buildup of excessive fluid in the ear and causes earache, which is very troublesome. In this case, removing adenoids is often helpful as this problem is often recurrent and less responsive to antibiotics unless you get rid of such conditions forever by removing them.

Cons of Removing Adenoids:

In some individuals, adenoids may interfere with the sleep process by causing sleep apnea, snoring, discomfort, etc. This will lead to sleep deprivation which can cause problems with behavior or cognition. So removing adenoids in this is also beneficial to get rid of such problems.

Before making a decision on adenoid removal, there are a few things to think about first. According to a study conducted, removing a child's tonsils or adenoids may raise their likelihood of getting respiratory problems, infections, or allergy issues later in life. As with any surgery, adenoidectomy entails a limited risk of infection or other problems. Adenoids can occasionally regrow after surgery, however, this is uncommon.