Question
My child is now 5 years old and has just been diagnosed with II-degree tonsil hypertrophy. I am very upset. He is usually very active, eating, drinking, and sleeping well, and hasn’t had any special colds or the like. I hadn’t noticed anything, but recently I’ve noticed him snoring at night and breathing through his mouth. I went to the hospital and the doctor said it’s II-degree hypertrophy and suggested surgery. I was terrified; he’s still so young, and surgery has to wait until he’s older! I just want to know what methods can be used to adjust so that it doesn’t grow?
Answer
The reduction of the palatine tonsils in children with adenoid hypertrophy is physiological. The nasopharynx has lymphatic tissue at birth, which diminishes as the child grows older, reaching its maximum by the age of 6. Afterward, it gradually shrinks, usually by around the age of 10. If it doesn’t affect deep sleep, conservative treatment can be temporary. Recommendations: If it doesn’t affect the quality of deep sleep, temporary conservative treatment can be considered; if it does affect the quality of deep sleep, surgical treatment is recommended.