Our Summary

This research investigated the relationship between nasal blockage and the ability to identify smells in children. It also examined how removing adenoids (lymph tissues in the back of the throat that can become enlarged and block the airway) can impact a child’s sense of smell. The study included 53 boys and 23 girls aged between 5 to 12 years, who had varying degrees of enlarged adenoids and histories of repeated adenoid inflammation. The children were given an olfactory test (a test to assess their sense of smell) before and 45 days after undergoing surgery to remove their adenoids.

The results showed that children who had more than 50% blockage in their nasopharynx (the area connecting the nose to the mouth) before the surgery experienced a significant improvement in their ability to identify smells post-surgery. In this group, the average improvement was 50.8%. There were significant improvements in identifying the smells of bubble gum, baby powder, mint, and cinnamon. The study found no differences between boys and girls.

In conclusion, children who have more than 50% blockage in their nasopharynx due to enlarged adenoids have a reduced sense of smell, which returns to normal after removing the adenoids. This suggests that evaluating the sense of smell could be useful in deciding whether to perform surgery to remove the adenoids in children with a blocked nasopharynx.

FAQs

  1. Does nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids affect a child’s ability to identify smells?
  2. Does the removal of adenoids improve a child’s sense of smell?
  3. Could evaluating a child’s sense of smell be useful in deciding whether to perform an adenoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to be aware that the surgery can potentially improve their sense of smell, especially if they have significant blockage in their nasopharynx due to enlarged adenoids. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

Suitable For

Children who have significant nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids and have a reduced sense of smell are typically recommended adenoidectomy. This procedure is often recommended for children who have repeated adenoid inflammation, difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, and recurrent ear infections. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if adenoidectomy is the best course of action for a child’s specific medical condition.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of nasal blockage, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and frequent sinus infections.
  • Patient may undergo a series of diagnostic tests, including a physical exam, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies, to determine the cause of the symptoms.
  • Adenoidectomy surgery is recommended for patients with enlarged adenoids causing significant nasal blockage.

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the adenoids, typically performed under general anesthesia.
  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the throat and nose following the surgery.
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the surgery.
  • Patient gradually experiences improvement in their symptoms of nasal blockage and may notice improved breathing and reduced snoring.
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure that there are no complications.
  • In the case of the study mentioned above, the patient’s sense of smell is assessed before and after the surgery, and improvements in smell identification are observed in children with significant nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids.

Overall, adenoidectomy can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of nasal blockage and may also improve the sense of smell in children with enlarged adenoids.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will removing my child’s adenoids improve their ability to smell?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy surgery?

  4. Will my child need to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?

  5. Are there any long-term effects of removing the adenoids on my child’s health?

  6. Will my child still be able to breathe properly through their nose after the surgery?

  7. How soon after the surgery will my child be able to return to their normal activities, such as school and sports?

  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to help my child recover successfully?

  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?

  10. Will my child need any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery to monitor their recovery?

Reference

Authors: Fornazieri MA, Araújo RG, Lima JVF, Favareto FB, Pinna FR, Voegels RL, Doty RL. Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2019 Jan;9(1):87-92. doi: 10.1002/alr.22209. Epub 2018 Sep 11. PMID: 30203926