Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (lymphoid tissues in the nasal passages and the throat) are issues that some may feel are common and insignificant. Tonsils and adenoids can become enlarged due to allergies, irritants (i.e., smoke, reflux), or following bacterial or viral infection. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids change the structure of the nasal passages and throat. They impact how the jaw is aligned, how the tongue rests in the mouth, and how much room is in the airway. Ongoing inflammation of these tissues can lead to challenges in breathing, sleeping, eating, and communicating (speech).
Impacts on breathing:
open mouth breathing, audible breathing (due to restricted airway), chronic nasal congestion, chronic respiratory illness, and challenges with attention to task
Impacts on sleeping:
difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, restlessness during sleep, bed wetting, snoring, sleep apnea, fatigue, and mood/behavior changes
Impacts on eating/swallowing:
difficulty manipulating food in the mouth, difficulty clearing foods in one swallow, coughing/choking, and decreased food repertoire
Impacts on communication/speech:
frequent middle ear infections impacting speech sound development, chronic drooling, forward tongue posture resulting in forward placement of speech sounds (i.e., frontal lisp with /s, z/ or placement of /t, d, n, l/ on the back of the teeth or between the teeth), and development of a high and narrow palate or dental malocclusions (i.e., teeth flaring, open bite) impacting understandability/clarity of speech
If left untreated, compensatory patterns develop and persist, resulting in changes in orofacial development. When the nasal and oral cavities don’t develop properly, the result can be devastating and challenges can persist into adulthood.
Early intervention is important! At Red Door Pediatric Therapy we have several speech therapists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy. We can assess structure and function and assist you with your journey in managing enlarged tonsils and adenoids. We can work together to improve nasal patency, re-establish correct oral rest posture (i.e., tongue elevated to the roof of the mouth, lip closure, and nasal breathing), encourage proper jaw growth, improve isolated movements of the lips, cheeks, and tongue, achieve an adult-like swallowing pattern, and aid in development of clear, understandable speech. We often work with a team of professionals like primary care doctors, dentists, orthodontists, body workers (occupational therapists, physical therapists, or chiropractors), and/or otolaryngologists (ENT) to develop an individualized plan of care. We educate caregivers and encourage completion of home programming to expedite progress and achieve our goals together: easy breathing, sound sleep, safe swallowing, and clear speech!