Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is still a disease being defined. The more we find out, the more we realize that having tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy can benefit the child with sleep issues. Snoring during childhood is abnormal; how much to accept without intervention is the issue.

In our clinic, we are minimalistic and believe that the least intervention possible is always best, but in cases of altered breathing, gasping, pauses, or very loud snoring, surgery may make the most sense. We have seen the benefits of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy not only in terms of restful quiet sleep, but also in attentiveness and behavior improvements. We will often see kids just get healthier and gain weight when their obstruction is relieved.