FAQs

TONSILS

What are Tonsils?

Tonsils are small glands in the throat which help to fight germs in the body when the child is young.

Why take them out?

We take out the tonsils only when the child gets repeated throat infections or when the tonsils are so big that they block the breathing at night.

Can the surgery be avoided?

The surgery can be avoided if the throat infection is controlled by antibiotics and does not repeat itself.

How is the operation done?

It is a simple operation which takes about 20mins. The child is anaesthetized and then the tonsils are removed and the bleeding is stopped. The child is discharged the same day with some medication such as painkillers & antibiotics.

What is the care needed after surgery?

Children must eat well although the throat is sore due to surgery. Ice creams are given to soothen the throat and to stop the bleeding.

What are the risks of this surgery?

Tonsillectomy is overall a very safe. There is a minimal risk of bleeding in 1 out of every 100 children who undergo this surgery. Such children may need readmission for stoppage of bleeding.

ADENOIDS

What are adenoids?

The adenoids are small glands at the back of the throat which help to fight germs. However its use reduces after 3yrs. of age.

Why should they be removed?

They should be removed only when they are so big that they block the nose and cause difficulty in breathing. Children with adenoids breathe through their mouth or even snore at night. Sometimes they even stop breathing for a few seconds during their sleep.

Can the surgery be avoided?

The surgery cannot be avoided if the child is having repeated infections and requires very frequent doses of antibiotics. Frequent doses of antibiotics only produces super bugs which are resistant to these antibiotics.

How is the surgery performed?

Adenoidectomy is a simple surgery wherein the child is anaesthetized and the adenoids are removed. Often this surgery is combined with tonsillectomy.

What are the risks of surgery?

There is a very minimal risk of bleeding after the surgery for which the child may need to be in hospital for a longer time.

GROMMETS

What are grommets?

Grommets are small plastic tubes which sit in the hole of the eardrum and let air pass in and out of the ear.

Why are grommets used?

Grommets are used when there is a fluid behind the eardrum, a condition called glue ear. The grommet stays in the ear for about 6-8 months and then fall off on their own when the eardrum grows.

What are the alternatives to grommets?

Steroid nasal spray and antibiotics can be tried to treat the discharging ears. Sometimes removal of the adenoids can clear the glue ear. Hearing aid may be used if there is hearing impairment.

Can my child swim with grommets in the ear?

Your child can swim within 2 weeks after the surgery but should not dive under water. The child should plug the ears while having a shower with soapy water.

NASAL POLYPS

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, non cancerous growths which develop along the lining of the nose.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps cause nasal stuffiness, nasal congestion, dull headache, snoring, chronic sinus infections and reduced sense of smell.

What is the treatment for nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are usually treated with nasal steroids in the form of a spray. Oral steroids are sometimes used for a short duration. Medication for allergic rhinitis and antibiotics to treat the infection. If the condition does not respond to medication then surgery is advised.

What are the types of surgery for nasal polyps?

There are two types of surgery for nasal polyps.

1. Polypectomy – This is usually done when there a single large polyp. The poly is removed using a microdebrider, an instrument used to remove the soft tissue and then the patient is given nasal steroids and antibiotics.
2. Endoscopic surgery – This is done using a video endoscope. It is a minimally invasive surgery which involves a very small incision through which the polyp is removed using the endoscope. This surgery also clears out the sinuses.

VOICE HYGIENE

The TEN COMMANDMENTS to keep a healthy voice are the following:

1. DON’T SMOKE: smoking damages the voice, accelerates “wear and tear” and cause cancer
2. ELIMINATE HABITUAL THROAT CLEARING-COUGHING: try taking sips of water when you feel the urge to clear your throat or if you have chronic dry cough.
3. DRINK LOTS OF WATER: the voice production mechanism needs humidification to work effectively. Like a machine that needs oiling!
4. CONTROL AND LIMIT VOCAL LOUDNESS – DO NOT COMPETE VOCALLY: avoid yelling, screaming, shouting etc. Particularly in noisy environment.
5. BALANCE EXTRA VOCAL DEMAND WITH VOICE REST: rest your voice before and after periods of excessive voice use. Listen more, talk less.
6. HUMIDIFY THE ENVIRONMENT: particularly the bedroom! At night we tend to breathe more through the mouth and we swallow less saliva, hence, the upper aero-digestive tract tends to dry-up.
7. USE MEDICATIONS WITH CAUTION: particularly lozenges that contain local anesthetics.
8. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE: Alcohol, Caffeine as well as diuretics can cause fluid depletion from the body including the vocal cords.
9. REDUCE OR ELIMINATE LARYNGO-PHARYNGEAL REFLUX (LPR): Gastric juice can act as an irritant to the voice when it regurges back into the airway. Do not ignore this condition. Consult your doctor if this happens frequently.
10. USE VOICE AND SPEECH THERAPY: do not wait until your voice problems become severe to consult a medical professional. Voice and Speech therapists are very well trained to deal with your voice problems/hygiene.