Put an End to Your Recurrent Ear Infections with an Adenoidectomy
Have you or a loved one been suffering from recurrent ear infections that seem to never go away? The constant discomfort and repeated doctor visits can be frustrating — and disruptive to daily life.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that can provide you or your loved one with long-term relief: adenoidectomy.
At Jacksonville ENT Surgery with offices across Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, our board-certified ENT providers specialize in treating chronic ear infections.
One effective therapy we provide is called an adenoidectomy. This surgical procedure removes the adenoids, lymphatic tissues at the back of your nasal cavity and helps address the underlying causes of recurrent ear infections.
Keep reading to learn more about recurrent ear infections and how an adenoidectomy can bring you lasting relief.
About recurrent ear infections
Recurrent ear infections, sometimes referred to by your doctor as chronic otitis media, develop when your middle ear becomes repeatedly inflamed or infected.
There are several underlying issues that can contribute to this condition:
Eustachian tube dysfunction
The Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your throat, can become blocked or dysfunctional. This leads to fluid buildup and recurrent ear infections.
Enlarged adenoids
The adenoids are masses of lymphatic tissues in the upper part of your throat behind your nasal cavity. They play a role in the immune system by trapping harmful pathogens that enter through the nose and mouth.
When they become enlarged, they can obstruct the Eustachian tube, preventing fluids from properly draining away from the middle ear, which can contribute to recurrent ear infections.
Allergies and respiratory infections
Allergies and upper respiratory infections can cause inflammation and blockage in your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. This increases your risk of recurrent ear infections.
While symptoms of recurrent ear infections can vary, some of the more common signs include:
- Persistent ear pain or discomfort
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Frequent headaches
- Balance issues or dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
If you experience these symptoms often, it’s important to seek medical evaluation with a specialist, like the team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery, to determine the underlying cause and best treatment.
Understanding how an adenoidectomy can help
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your adenoids. Removing the adenoids can help restore normal Eustachian tube function and reduce the frequency of your ear infections.
This surgery is commonly performed in children, but adults who experience recurrent ear infections or other complications may also benefit from the procedure. Benefits may include:
- Reduce frequency of ear infections
- Improved breathing and sleeping
- Enhanced quality of life because of less pain and ear discomfort
During an adenoidectomy, you’re placed under general anesthesia. Your Jacksonville ENT Surgery surgeon accesses your adenoids through your mouth and uses specialized instruments to remove the tissue.
The procedure is relatively quick and typically only takes about 30 minutes, and recovery is usually straightforward. After your procedure, you might experience mild discomfort, sore throat, or nasal congestion for a few days.
It’s important to follow posoperative care instructions provided by your Jacksonville ENT Surgery provider for the smoothest recovery possible.
Learn how an adenoidectomy can help you
At Jacksonville ENT Surgery, our board-certified ENT specialists are dedicated to providing personalized ear infection care tailored to your unique needs.
Our team offers comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your recurrent ear infections and develop a customized treatment plan.
We use advanced surgical techniques and equipment to provide the best possible outcomes for you or your loved one. Whether you need an adenoidectomy or other ENT services, we can help you find lasting relief and enjoy improved health.
If you’re tired of dealing with recurrent ear infections, schedule a consultation with a provider at the Jacksonville ENT Surgery office nearest you.