Question: My son is 4 years old. Do you use antibiotics during the surgery when removing adenoids from children?
Answer: The adenoids are lymph tissue, similar to the tonsils. They are located in the back of the nose and have the role of helping fight infection. They are most active in young children and get smaller as we get older. They are largest relative to the size of the airway in children about the age of 4 to 6- and then almost disappear by the time they head to college. At times, often because of chronic infection, they can become large and block up the nasal passages and contribute to middle ear infections and persistent sinus infections in children. If indicated, the adenoids may be removed (adenoidectomy) because of these problems.
We do NOT recommend routine use of antibiotics during or after removing adenoids from children. While there may be reasons to use them for a particular child, the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ENT scientific group) in their most recent clinical guidelines argues against the use of antibiotics for tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) alone- and by extension to adenoid surgery. Studies have not shown significant benefit in their routine use around adenoid surgery.
Robert Pincus MD
Frequently Asked Questions
No, antibiotics are not routinely used during or after adenoid removal surgery in children. The American Academy of Otolaryngology advises against their routine use for adenoidectomy, as studies have not shown significant benefit.
Adenoids may be removed if they become enlarged due to chronic infections, which can block nasal passages and cause middle ear or persistent sinus infections. This enlargement often affects children between the ages of 4 and 6.
Adenoids are lymph tissue located in the back of the nose that help fight infections. They are most active in young children and gradually shrink as a child grows older, almost disappearing by college age.
Typically, post-operative antibiotics are not required after adenoid removal. Unless there are specific reasons for an individual child, routine use of antibiotics is not recommended according to clinical guidelines.
The adenoids are largest relative to the size of the airway in children approximately between the ages of 4 to 6 years old. They tend to shrink significantly as the child gets older.
Yes, the American Academy of Otolaryngology's guidelines against routine antibiotic use for tonsillectomy extend by recommendation to adenoidectomy as well, as studies show no significant benefit from antibiotics in either surgery.
