adenoids and enlarged tonsils

[aria]

Does any one have a child with enlarged adenoids and tonsils? How are you managing it? Did the child undergo surgery-if so any noticeable improvements?

[Many friends ...]

My son and children of many of my friends have had this issue.  One of the big problems as a result of this condition is lack of quality sleep and quality oxygen intake during sleep.  This can manifest itself as "bad behaviour" in the child - as they are always tired.  Another issue is mouth-breathing - which can have long term effects on facial bone structure.
Myself and all the people that I know that have gone on to have the op have seen a remarkable improvement in their child's behaviour due to better sleep and oxygen intake.  Less URTI's and other general colds and snotty noses.  Some have also observed a dramatic growth spurt in the few weeks post op.
There are a couple of great kid ENT guys in Singapore that could talk you through your options.

[mum 2-2]

have a friend whose 4 year old son recently underwent surgery. She says the improvements in all kinds of area's are huge. She felt awful having him go through the surgery but now feels awful for not doing it sooner.

[aria]

Thank you so much for your replies. I have a 4year old with enlarged adenoids and tonsils which were diagnosed only last year. She has been on nasal spray on and off. I struggled a lot with sleep issues and thought that it was because I was not doing something right, and then when she started teething, I attributed her sleep issues to that. When she turned three she came down with pneumonia and after that episode she would gulp air after speaking a few words. That's how we figured out there was something else going on.
Once she started the spray, she has been much better (say 85%), but the spray has steroids and I am not comfortable to use it in the long term.
Could you recommend an ENT where I could take her for a evaluation?-I will be moving to Singapore in about 10days. Appreciate if you could email on aria1954@gmail.com.
Thank you so much.

[be sure]

I'm always wary of the "large tonsils" diagnosis, I've been told by many doctors I have "large tonsils" but they don't recommend anything be done about it.  Adenoids are something that can be seen by x-ray and removed, but I'm not sure if "large tonsils" is reason for action in of itself.

[be sure]

One more thing... a few years back I had an ENT recommend I have surgery to remove my Uvula, apparently they remove the fleshy thing hanging in the back of your mouth and this would help me sleep and breathe better and alleviate my problem of "large tonsils".

I did some research about this surgery on the internet and learned that the procedure is banned in some European countries because of questionable medical benefit.

I don't trust ENTs, and believe a lot of the procedures they recommend are not necessary and potentially harmful.

[aria]

I agree about many unnecessary procedures being performed. I did some internet research and came accross an article that said it is better to get a "sleep test" done to check the oxygen levels and then decide about the surgery. Anyone's kid gone through the sleep test?

[paa not logged in]

Son had the same problem. ENT said he would probably have to have surgery but to cut back on milk (one cupint the morning) and do a daily nose rinse.  Within 6 weeks everything was back to a normal size, colds, asthma improved dramatically, even his Asthma Specialist could not believe improvement.  Only have problems now when he drinks more milk.  We had tried nasal sprays, antibiotics, steroids etc, etc.

[aria]

Dear Paa,
How old is your son? How do you go about doing a nasal rinse-is it something the ENT explains how to do? When you reduced his milk consumption, did you have to make up for the protein, etc requirement? My daughter is 4 years old-mostly on a vegetarian diet with eggs thrown in now and then.

[paa not logged in]

Son was 5 when all the asthma, croup started after catching mycoplasma.  Had 2 bad years before cutting out milk etc.  Nasal rinse is super easy, NeilMed (just google), just shake normal water and packet of rinse in a bottle and squeeze up one nostril, he ws 7 when he started and never had a problem.  I also do it now as weel, cuts out sore throats and help hay fever.  He still has a cup of milk in the morning and eats cheese.  If he has milk later in the day make sure he drinks some water afterwards.  ENT at Mt E explained that a lot of kids with adnoid problems improve dramatically when milk is reduced, he said it is the most over rated food product that there is.  Give it a try.

[aria]

Dear Paa, thank you so much. Now that you mention mycoplasma, I recollect that my daughter had mycoplasma pnuemonia and right after that everything got aggravated. I am definitely going to try out your suggestions. Just one more Q about food-your son seems ok with cheese-how about yoghurt-is he ok with that?

[aria]

Dear Paa, are you using the paediatric sinus rinse for your son?

[Which doc?]

Hi paa - sorry to highjack thread OP - which ENT did you see?

[paa not logged in]

DrAdrian Surajeen (not sure of spelling).  Has office at Mt E and Camden.  Don't let him talk you into to IGG blood test - this is a scam.  Started off using pediatric rinse now onto to adult.