Laser treatment of adenoids in children
Adenoid hypertrophy in a child is a situation that can easily alarm any parent. Among all ENT pathologies, this condition is the most common in children aged three to seven years. According to conventional medicine, conservative therapy, such as physiotherapy or homeopathic remedies, is ineffective for adenoid hypertrophy.
One of the most effective methods for combating this condition is laser treatment. This procedure is much more gentle than traditional adenotomy, a surgical procedure to remove the nasopharyngeal tonsil. Sometimes, tonsillectomy (removal of the palatine tonsils) is performed in conjunction with this procedure, making the procedure even more traumatic.
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Causes of the disease in children
Chronic inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract, including bronchial problems, tonsillitis, and throat irritation, often trigger enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsils. A number of infectious diseases typical of childhood can trigger active tissue growth, such as:
- Acute respiratory infections
- Influenza viruses
- Measles
- Chickenpox and other childhood infectious pathologies
The development of adenoids is often accompanied by an exacerbation of acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils, known as tonsillitis. In addition to frequent infections and inflammatory processes, heredity plays a significant role: a predisposition to this condition is often genetically transmitted.
Doctors consider problematic pregnancies, aggravated by various complications, to be additional risk factors: a history of acute viral infections in the expectant mother, and the use of antibiotics and medications with adverse effects. These factors include difficult deliveries, fetal injuries during childbirth, and chronic illnesses in both the mother and the infant.
Furthermore, environmental factors, the development of allergic reactions, and a weakened immune system, especially in young children, play a negative role. All of these factors can trigger excessive lymphoid tissue growth and lead to the clinical picture of nasopharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy.
Symptoms of adenoid inflammation
It is crucial for parents to recognize the following signs of tonsil enlargement:
- Impaired nasal breathing – manifested by mouth breathing and snoring at night
- Periodic cessation of breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
- A constant feeling of nasal congestion, persistent rhinitis
- Coughing fits
- Deterioration in sound perception
- Increased incidence of ear infections (otitis)
- Nasal voice development
- Difficulty concentrating, decreased school performance, and general fatigue due to oxygen deprivation of the brain
Without adequate treatment, further progression of the condition can lead to severe facial deformity (lengthening and stretching), changes in the structure of the jaw and teeth, chest curvature, digestive problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The appearance of accompanying symptoms, such as fever and painful swelling of the lymph nodes, indicates the development of severe tonsillitis (adenoiditis).
Adenoid grades
Medical practice distinguishes three main stages of adenoid hyperplasia:
- Stage I. At the initial stage of development, the tonsil tissue is slightly enlarged and has minimal impact on the child's well-being. Difficulty breathing occurs only during sleep.
- Stage II. Further progression of the process leads to persistent breathing difficulties, day and night. The tissue blocks approximately a third of the airway, preventing normal airflow.
- Stage III. Hypertrophy reaches its maximum, with the tissue covering most of the nasal passages, making normal nasal breathing difficult. The voice becomes distinctly nasally, the level of audibility decreases, and the child is forced to regularly ask for repetition.
The severity of adenoids is determined by the extent of sinus obstruction, the level of discomfort, and the impact on the child's overall physical and intellectual well-being.
Dangerous complications for the child
Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil can lead to a number of serious health consequences, including:
- Decreased ability to perceive sounds, hearing impairment
- Allergic reactions
- Decreased performance, difficulty memorizing material, constant fatigue
- Development of pronunciation defects and speech distortion
- Frequent recurrence of acute ear infections
- Regular colds
- Problems with bladder control, manifested by nocturnal enuresis
Children with this condition differ significantly from healthy peers: they experience difficulty sleeping, are prone to increased anxiety and irritability, and are often in depressed emotional state. Therefore, at the first sign of tonsil enlargement, be sure to consult a qualified otolaryngologist (ENT doctor).
The essence and purpose of laser therapy
Laser treatment of adenoids is an innovative technique based on the use of light beams of a specific wavelength. This technology aims to eliminate swelling and inflammation of the tissue, thereby facilitating airflow through the nasal passages.
Laser therapy helps reduce the frequency of recurrent infections and prevents further tissue enlargement. A key advantage of this method is its contactless and completely safe nature, making it suitable for patients of all ages.
General information
Indications for laser therapy
If signs of adenoids are detected, specialists usually recommend surgery to remove the affected tonsils. The final decision is made by the parents in conjunction with the doctors, but there are clearly defined indications for which surgical intervention is inevitable:
- Decreased hearing loss due to enlarged lymphoid tissue
- Development of noticeable changes in the structure of the sternum and facial bones
- Chronic obstruction of the nasal airways
- Recurring episodes of acute respiratory infections
- Speech articulation disorder
- Lack of positive results from traditional therapeutic treatments
Identification of these abnormalities necessitates prompt laser intervention, which helps minimize the risk of developing persistent complications.
FAQ
Will laser treatment help get rid of a chronic runny nose?
It often helps, as a runny nose is often caused by enlarged adenoids. After the tissue is removed, the problem disappears.
Is it true that adenoids will grow back after laser treatment?
No, the laser works precisely and precisely, removing unwanted tissue permanently.
Can this procedure be performed on very young children?
Yes, lasers are used even on babies. The main thing is that the child can endure the procedure calmly, without making any sudden movements.
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What are adenoids?
The human body is equipped with six tonsils, located primarily in the nasopharynx. The main purpose of these organs is to protect the body by capturing potentially dangerous microorganisms. Because the tonsils are rich in immune cells, they are immediately activated when foreign agents such as viruses and bacteria enter the body.
The third set of tonsils, located just behind the soft palate above the nasal passage, deserves special attention. These organs act like a filter, passing air through the body during breathing. Under unfavorable circumstances, such as an upper respiratory infection or an allergic reaction, the tissue of the third set of tonsils begins to enlarge excessively, reaching abnormal dimensions. This pathological enlargement is medically known as adenoids.
The likelihood of developing adenoids decreases significantly with age. As people age, the third set of tonsils naturally decrease in size, sometimes leading to complete degeneration. However, the risk of developing adenoids remains even in middle-aged patients.