Chronic infectious tonsillitis, sinusitis, snoring, behavior problems, breathing problems, bed wetting.<\/p>\n
Who would have thought that tonsils\u2014those two masses of tissue at the back of the throat\u2014could be the cause of so many problems? Dr. Ted Benke would.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because Dr. Benke is a board certified otolaryngologist, a physician specializing in conditions of the ear, nose and throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe interesting thing about tonsillectomy in children is that, traditionally, it\u2019s been done for chronic tonsillitis, but now more tonsillectomies are done because of large tonsils causing airway obstruction,\u201d Benke said.<\/p>\n
In fact, many childhood problems may be caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, he said, and that\u2019s why his youngest son, Tommy, 11, recently had his adenoids removed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a real issue in children,\u201d Benke said. \u201cIf they snore, then their quality of sleep is diminished, and we see a relationship between airway obstruction in children and ADHD and poor school performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research has shown that the tonsils of children, aged 2-7, can regularly become enlarged, and because a child\u2019s throat is narrow, the swelling can often partially block their airway. This can lead to a disruption in the child\u2019s breathing, either during the day, or at night, causing snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty awakening, headaches, even bedwetting.<\/p>\n
Untreated obstruction also contributes to dental problems, like malocclusion, crowding and facial skeletal abnormalities.<\/p>\n
Indications for tonsillectomy include chronic tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils causing obstruction.<\/p>\n
Benke said tonsillectomies are the second most common childhood surgery, second only to ear-tube insertions, which he also performs, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Of the 600,000 tonsillectomies performed each year, however, 75% of tonsillectomies are now done to treat nighttime breathing problems.<\/p>\n
Benke, who has hospital privileges at Texas Health Cleburne, Cook Children\u2019s Medical Center and the Doctor\u2019s Surgery Center at Huguley Hospital, says the good news is that tonsillectomies have come a long way since they were first performed in 30 A.D. by the Roman surgeon Celsus, who described tearing the tonsils out with a hook!<\/p>\n
\u201cTraditional tonsillectomies conjure up images of cranky children unable to swallow anything but ice cream or other soft food,\u201d Benke said. \u201cBut recent advances in surgical techniques for children have made this image virtually a thing of the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith coblation tonsillectomy, which uses much gentler tools, children in clinical studies have been shown to experience less pain and recover more quickly than those who received traditional tonsillectomies.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, we use an advanced technology that combines radiofrequency energy with natural saline to quickly and safely remove the tonsils. And, because we don\u2019t use heat, the procedure leaves the healthy tissue surrounding the tonsils intact.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Jami Shelton<\/p>\n
Benke said that means the patient will have less pain, less risk of bleeding and will allow the patient to resume a normal diet and activity within a couple days.<\/p>\n
So, if your child has been having trouble sleeping, difficulty breathing, or has struggled with bedwetting, enlarged tonsils could be the reason. Call Benke Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic today for an evaluation at 817-641-3750.<\/p>\n
Benke Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic treats a variety of childhood problems including chronic ear infections and hearing loss, sinusitis and allergies (including RAST blood allergy testing) and facial and neck lesions and tumors. Our doctor of audiology sees infants and children for hearing testing and hearing aids.<\/p>\n
Their office is located on the first floor of the Walls Professional Building, Suite 101.<\/p>\n