Print
Email
Parental concerns
Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common childhood condition. If a child has repeated ear infections, a physician, usually an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, will recommend treatment options. To alleviate the discomfort experienced by the child and to prevent secondary complication such as delayed speech that can occur if the child's hearing is compromised because of the accompanying ear infections, frequently a surgery called an adenoidectomy is performed.
When to call the doctor
Following an adenoidectomy, parents should call the doctor if any of the following occurs:
KEY TERMS
Eustachian tube—A thin tube between the middle ear and the pharnyx. Its purpose is to equalize pressure on either side of the ear drum.
Hyperplastic—Refers to an increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the number of cells.
Hypertrophy—An increase in the size of a tissue or organ brought about by the enlargement of its cells rather than cell multiplication.
Strep throat—An infection of the throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include sore throat, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Ulcerated—Characterized by the formation of an ulcer.
- unexpected bright red bleeding
- fever over 101°F (38°C)
- pain that is not relieved by pain medications
See also Tonsillitis.
WEB SITES
McClay, John E. "Adenoidectomy." eMedicine. Available online at <www.emedicine.com/ent/topic316.htm> (accessed November 8, 2004).
"Tonsils and Adenoids." Healthy Kids and Pediatrics. Available online at <www.medicinenet.com/adenoids_and_tonsils/article.htm> (accessed November 8, 2004).
"What are tonsils and adenoids?" Available online at <www.itonsils.com> (accessed November 8, 2004).
J. Ricker Polsdorfer, MD Deborah L. Nurmi, MS
 |
Author Info: J. Ricker Polsdorfer MD, Deborah L. Nurmi MS, Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, 2006 |
 |
 |
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy