Adenoidectomy Health Dictionary

A mass of glandular tissue at the back of the nasal passage above the tonsils. The adenoids are made up of lymph nodes, which form part of the body’s defences against upper respiratory tract infections; they tend to enlarge during early childhood, a time when such infections are common.

In most children, adenoids shrink after the age of about 5 years, disappearing altogether by puberty. In some children, however, they enlarge, obstructing breathing and blocking the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. This results in recurrent infections and deafness. Infections usually respond to antibiotic drugs, but if they recur frequently, adenoidectomy may be recommended.... adenoids

Accumulation of fluid in the cavity of the middle ear, causing impaired hearing. Persistent glue ear is most common in children. It is often accompanied by enlarged adenoids and frequently occurs with viral respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Usually both ears are affected. The lining of the middle ear becomes overactive, producing large amounts of sticky fluid, and the eustachian tube becomes blocked so that the fluid cannot drain away. The accumulated fluid interferes with the movement of the delicate bones of the middle ear.

Glue ear is sometimes first detected by hearing tests. Examination with an otoscope can confirm the diagnosis. In mild cases, the condition often clears up without specific treatment. If the condition persists, it may be necessary to insert grommets, which allow air into the middle ear and encourage fluid to drain.

Adenoidectomy may also be required.... glue ear

A disorder in which there are episodes of temporary cessation of breathing (lasting 10 seconds or longer) during sleep.

People with sleep apnoea may not be aware of any problem during the night, but they may be sleepy during the day, with poor memory and concentration. Severe sleep apnoea is potentially serious and may lead to hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common type and may affect anyone, but more often middle-aged men, especially those who are overweight. The most common cause is over-relaxation of the muscles of the soft palate in the pharynx, which obstructs the passage of air. Obstruction may also be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. The obstruction causes snoring. If complete blockage occurs, breathing stops. This triggers the brain to restart breathing, and the person may gasp and wake briefly.

In central sleep apnoea, breathing stops because the chest and diaphragm muscles temporarily cease to work, probably due to a disturbance in the brain’s control of breathing. Causes include paralysis of the diaphragm and disorders of the brainstem. Snoring is not a main feature.People who are overweight may find losing weight helps.

Alcohol and sleeping drugs aggravate sleep apnoea.

In one treatment, air from a compressor is forced into the airway via a mask worn over the nose.

Night-time artificial ventilation may be needed.

Tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or surgery to shorten or stiffen the soft palate may be performed.... sleep apnoea

n. a surgical instrument that comprises a small powered partially guarded rotating blade to remove tissue during operative procedures. An inbuilt suction–irrigation system removes the resulting tissue fragments and blood. It is most commonly used in *endoscopic sinus surgery but can also be used to perform tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy and in some types of laryngeal and bronchial surgery.... microdebrider

n. noisy breathing while asleep due to vibration of the soft palate, uvula, pharyngeal walls, or epiglottis. In children it is often associated with enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids. Treatments of snoring include weight loss, tobacco and alcohol avoidance, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, nasal airway surgery, *uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or other forms of *palatoplasty.... snoring