Waking up feeling groggy and exhausted despite getting what you think is enough sleep? While experts estimate that around 30 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea, only six million have an official diagnosis.
This often-overlooked condition disrupts sleep with frequent pauses in breathing, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even more serious health concerns. Although factors such as being overweight, smoking, and having diabetes can increase the risk, sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children.
At ENT New York, otolaryngologist Vandana Kumra, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, offering effective solutions to help you breathe easier at night. Here, we explore the reasons Dr. Kumra may recommend an adenoidectomy and what to expect during the process.
The adenoids are glands deep within the nasal cavity, behind the soft palate. They play a vital role in a child’s developing immune system, helping to fight off infections before other components mature.
However, in some cases, these immune defenders can become overzealous, growing too large and obstructing the airway. This can lead to various issues, including snoring, difficulty breathing, and sleep apnea. While more common in kids, enlarged adenoids can also contribute to sleep apnea in adults.
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to address this issue. It removes the enlarged adenoids, improving airflow and promoting a more restful night’s sleep.
If conservative treatment options, such as lifestyle changes, the use of an oral appliance, or continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), aren’t effectively addressing your or your child’s sleep apnea, Dr. Kumra may recommend an adenoidectomy.
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences beyond inconvenient daytime sleepiness. The repeated interruptions in breathing strain the cardiovascular system, increasing your risk of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart disease, and stroke.
A lack of quality sleep can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood disturbances. Insufficient or disrupted sleep can lead to behavioral issues such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and hyperactivity for kids with sleep apnea.
Enlarged adenoids can also cause:
In some cases, we perform an adenoidectomy in conjunction with a tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils. Like the adenoids, the tonsils are lymphatic glands that help protect against pathogens, and they’re similarly vulnerable to becoming inflamed and infected.
An adenoidectomy is typically done under general anesthesia, meaning you or your child are asleep throughout the procedure. Dr. Kumra carefully removes the adenoids through the mouth using specialized instruments, and there’s no need for stitches.
Following surgery, common side effects may include:
To ensure a smooth recovery, prioritize rest, stay hydrated, and manage any discomfort with medication, as recommended by Dr. Kumra. Frozen treats, like popsicles, can provide soothing relief and essential hydration for a sore throat.
If you or your child are exhibiting signs of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring or excessive daytime fatigue, Dr. Kumra can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. This may involve a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, and/or a sleep study to assess the severity of sleep apnea accurately.
Are you concerned about the effects of sleep apnea? Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your overall health and quality of life. Book an appointment at ENT New York today to discuss your options.
