Tonsils and Adenoids removed for a 2 yr old?

Question

Our 2 year old boy has suffered from lots of ear infection and chest infections. He also kept failing his hearing tests. He has now started snoring badly and suffering from sleep apnia (stops breathing in sleep for a few seconds). He is constantly tired and gumpy.

Took him to an ENT surgeon who has advised removal of tonsils (which she says are quite large) and adenoids.

Anyone had any similar experiences? Any advice?

Answer 1

Wow this must be a difficult decision for you.

For what it's worth, my 3-year-old nephew had this procedure done 5 months ago for the same reasons you described. He was sore for a day or two and then was fine. It helped his sleeping problem tremendously. The tired and grumpy stuff got soooo much better because he was getting better sleep.

I guess one benefit of doing the surgery now is that he's young and won't remember it. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you and your little boy!

Answer 2

My son (8 yrs old) is still going through ear infection touble. We have even had to have one eardrum replaced. Neither ENT wanted to remove his tonsils or adenoids, but that is because they were not involved. Some doctors are still of the opinion that they serve no purpose. Well, they do, they are also filters. However, I have a friend who's son had to have his tonsils removed because they were large and were interferring with eating and sleeping. That sounds like what you are dealing with (not the eating though) and I would suggest a 2nd opinion first and then if they both deem it necessary, have the tonsils
removed.

Response to Carol's answer: My son certainly does not take a bottle laying down. His eustation tubes simlply do not work right. And sleep apnea is NOT always caused by being overweight. I am 5'4" and weigh 105 -lbs and am in good health. I used to suffer with apnea and was NEVER told to lose weight. I was told that an EXTREME stress load was all that they could figure was causing it. Your generalized statements have fallen short here my dear, and I for one, was offended.

Answer 3

I had my adenoids removed as a child and I can't say it made any difference.. I still got constant colds until I was about 18, when the problem seemed to go away by itself. However, my son had his tonsils removed for similar reasons to your son's, and it was a great improvement. I would say neither operations do any harm and can only make an improvement. My son no longer snores or has bad throat infections.

Answer 4

Back in the 80's when I was nannying; I found that even quite small babies were effected by what they were eating; and even small amounts of sugar could effect their tonsils. I also had a experience with going on the Dr. Atkins diet and then after 3 months I had some chocolate; my tonsils swoll up alarmingly and I had fever and was laid out for 2 weeks!! Just to show that sugar - for some people; can radically effect the body.
So I would much rather check the diet of the child; and try cutting out the foods that might possibly be causing `allergic' type reactions in his body; swollen tonsils.
Also, there are drops called Pentavite for babies; in syrup form; which might help boost the immunity.
I would always rather go with solutions that didn't involve surgery especially for the very young. Of course, there are circumstances where it is imperative; but this most probably could be handled with alternative health solutions, and diet.
Good luck with getting this sorted out.

Answer 5

I was a Head & Neck surgery nurse for several years and had many young patients for T&As (tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy). Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous and I sure you're both tired of the infections. His fatigue will be resolved as well and his quality of sleep will improve 100%. Do it. It's a very safe procedure. Be sure to follow the postop instructions to ensure a speedy recovery.

Incidentally, contrary to what one person suggested, adenoids (palatine tonsils) have nothing to do with speech and everything to do with the immune system.

Answer 6

My boy had his Adenoids out and Grommets put in his ears for much the same reasons as you have described, it was done as a day patient, the first thing he said when awoke from the anaesthetic was ,, you said I could have some toast,, No really there was / were no problems, and it has all be of help to his well being. The doctors and nurses were all very good and helpful.

If you want any more information e-mail me through Yahoo,,

Answer 7

My younger sister had chronic ear infections when she was little. It seemed as though she was always sick from something. After putting tubes in her ears several times (and having them fall out!), the doctor recommended taking out her tonsils and adenoids. By the time she went into the hospital she had severe hearing loss in both ears. After the surgery she started growing, gained weight and did better in school. She had surgery when she was 6 years old, so I do not know what to recommend for such a young child.

Answer 8

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are indicated in persons with repeated or persistent infections, particularly if they interfere with everyday activities. In general, repeated infections in children are defined as 6-7 episodes in one year, or 4-5 episodes in each of two years, or 3 episodes in each of three years. A significant episode of tonsillitis is defined by one or more of the following criteria: (1) a temperature greater than 101 F; (2) enlarged or tender neck lymph nodes; (3) pus material coating the tonsils; or (4) a positive strep test. In adults, the severity, frequency, and hardship associated with repeated infections are considered more important than the absolute number. Chronic infections characterized by bad breath and/or tonsillar stones causing significant disability are also indicators for tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are strongly considered in those patients who are suffering, or may suffer serious complications of infection. These include peritonsillar abscess, history of streptococcal complications (rheumatic heart disease, glomerulonephritis), or neck abscess. Suspicion of malignancy or tumor is a definite reason for surgery.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are also warranted in situations where there is enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids to such an extent that it causes severe sleep problems (snoring & breath holding), sleep apnea, dental abnormalities, and difficulty swallowing. Adenoid enlargement alone, or in combination with tonsillar enlargement, can cause nasal obstruction, recurrent ear infections, or sinusitis. If these conditions are resistant to medical therapy, surgery is indicated.

In should be emphasized that all decisions for or against surgery are dependent upon the individual patient's particular situation. Additional factors, such as tolerance of antibiotics, concurrent medical problems, school achievement/progress, and family preferences are also important in the decision process.

Answer 9

My son had chronic ear infections and sinus infections. At 15 months they put tubes in his ears and removed his adenoids. His tonsils were okay so they did not remove them. I would seriously consider having the procedure done, you will notice your son will be much better afterwards.

Answer 10

my son had frequent ear infections and heairing loss. He too failed many hearing tests. I think that your son is too young to get these surguries. Usualy most doctors try other methods before takeing a big step like this. Talk to him about tubes in your sons ears or another easier safer means. In my opinion I would get another doctors opinion it will make it easier on you in knowing the best way. The second doctor might tell you the same thing and that nothing else can be done or he can say no dont! and stop you from doing something that can change your sons future hearing wise. Just be caustious and make sure you get all the answers before getting the surgury. Ask Questions!!!