[Seie]

My son turns 4 in 2 months from now. He has enlarged adenoids that cause him to have a constantly stuffed nose and a constant flow of nasty green and foul smelling snot from his nose.
He went to the nose-doc today to have them checked out but he couldnt quite get a good look because DS decided to refuse to open his mouth. However the doc was very pleasent to talk to and said that he could tell from how my son breathes that his nose was blocked, and that if adenoids are not removed then they can affect how the face develops. I didnt ask more about this, but now I am starting to think about pros and cons of this operation.
Obviously it is a minor operation but still? Adenoids are supposed to catch infections etc before they enter the rest of the system so they do have a purpose - however docs think they are not as necessary when the child is a bit older (over 3 years old). I had them removed twice (yes twice) as a child and never had problems after having them removed. But still..
Is there any info I miss? Is there any good reason why we shouldnt go through with surgery?

 

[Alkenny]

Does your DS have problems breathing otherwise? Apnea? Snoring?

My older DS had severe sleep apnea, and his adenoids were so enlarged you couldn't have fit floss through his passageway. It was also effecting his hearing and speech development.

If he is having problems with apnea, that can effect behavior and brain development also and can lead to increased heart and stroke risks as an adult, let alone 'regular' illnesses (the body doesn't go into REM sleep and can't heal itself).

We had them (and the tonsils) out at 3 1/2 years old, and he's been fine ever since.

 

[jazzharmony]

Just bumping for an update? We are also considering surgery but for severe sleep apnea.