Patient's question:
Sometimes there are these signs, but they are not obvious now. It's very clear to hear snoring sounds. Some days the snoring is loud, some days it's soft. Some days it's mixed with coughing. The reason is unclear. Previous treatment history and effectiveness: No treatment has been given. What kind of assistance is needed: Unknown...Doctor's answer:
Compared to snoring, the main causes of snoring in children are enlarged adenoids and tonsils, while in adults, it is more complex and can be caused by narrowing in multiple areas. Additionally, the manifestations of snoring also differ, and thus the treatments are naturally different. Children are prone to various acute infectious diseases, which can lead to repeated inflammation of the nasopharynx, causing congestion and edema of the nasal mucosa, as well as abnormal hyperplasia of the mitotic cells. The obstruction of nasal airway during deep sleep prevents nasal breathing, leading to mouth breathing. As a result, the uvula falls back, producing snoring sounds with each breath. Over time, snoring can cause edema and hyperplasia of the pharyngeal mucosa, narrowing the pharyngeal cavity, and eventually leading to breathing pauses. At this stage, not only is the snoring loud, but it is also accompanied by irregular breathing interruptions. These breathing interruptions not only easily awaken the child but also disrupt normal deep sleep, and more seriously, they threaten the child's heart and lung functions.Children's growth and development require a large amount of oxygen. Snoring can cause severe choking in children during deep sleep, directly leading to insufficient oxygen supply for brain development, resulting in increased secretion of growth hormone. This not only affects the child's height but also impacts their future intelligence. Children often also suffer from secretory otitis media, which affects their hearing. Additionally, long-term nasal congestion and mouth breathing can lead to facial speech disorders, such as changes in the maxilla, a high hard palate, weak upper incisors, misaligned teeth leading to poor mastication, a curved lower jaw, thick lips, an upturned upper lip, a vertical lower lip, and often accompanied by a deviated nasal septum. Moreover, the child may appear lethargic, with dull facial expressions, forming what is known as the "adenoid face." Long-term forced nasal breathing can also lead to collapsed nasal wings and narrowed anterior nasal openings.
First, monitor the child's data and perform an endoscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis. Currently, the treatment for children's snoring still involves surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids to eliminate the narrowing caused by upper respiratory obstruction. However, due to pain, bleeding, and discomfort, parents often have concerns about the surgery. In fact, these concerns are unnecessary. With the use of endoscopic technology, doctors can clearly visualize the entire adenoid and use a specialized adenoid cutting tool to cut and suction simultaneously, allowing them to completely remove the adenoid without damaging surrounding normal tissue. Due to the clear surgical field and thorough medication application, complications are rarely encountered.
Additionally, partial tonsil ablation can be performed using a burr, which not only completely eliminates snoring but also preserves the function of the tonsils. This surgery is also very precise and thorough, preventing the occurrence of complications.