Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

5.7K

Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Among Children

Akshi Singhal1, Lovneesh Kumar1, Vinish Kumar Agarwal1

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Swami Ram Nagar, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248140 India.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|February 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy obstructs airways in children, impairing lung function. Adenotonsillectomy significantly improves pulmonary function, as measured by peak expiratory flow rate, aiding child development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a primary cause of pediatric upper airway obstruction.
  • This condition can lead to hypoxia by compromising pulmonary functions.
  • Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a reliable indicator of lung function in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the improvement in pulmonary functions in children following adenotonsillectomy.
  • To assess changes in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and after the surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, observational study involving 40 children (5-15 years) with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
  • Assessment of adenoid hypertrophy using nasal endoscopy and X-ray.
  • Measurement of PEFR pre-operatively and one month post-operatively using a Mini Wright peak flow meter.
  • Comparison of subjective improvement using a visual analogue score.

Main Results:

  • Adenotonsillectomy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in PEFR, ranging from 16% to 25.3%.
  • Patients with severe hypertrophy (Grade III tonsillar, Grade IV adenoid) showed a 25.3% PEFR improvement.
  • A 98.8% subjective improvement was noted in snoring complaints post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Adenotonsillectomy effectively improves pulmonary functions in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
  • Enhanced lung function post-surgery may contribute to better physical and cognitive development.
  • Improved pulmonary function may reduce the risk of future cardiopulmonary issues.

Keywords:
AdenotonsillectomyPeak expiratory flow ratePulmonary function testUpper airway obstruction

More Related Videos

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults05:07

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Published on: November 6, 2019

24.7K
Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects06:57

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects

Published on: February 12, 2021

3.3K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
3.6K
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway01:29

Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
633
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
154
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
1.5K
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
373
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
248