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Tonsils and adenoids are important parts of the lymphatic system, playing a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections. While they serve similar functions, there are key differences between the two.
Tonsils:
Adenoids:
When tonsils and adenoids become inflamed or swollen, it can lead to various symptoms, including:
Several factors can contribute to the swelling of tonsils and adenoids, including:
At Hobson Institute, we offer holistic and natural approaches to address swollen tonsils and adenoids. Our goal is to have your child function naturally on their own where they are breathing through their nose with a closed mouth and swallowing with the correct pattern and no tension in the face. This is critical for growth and development of the face and is not something that automatically happens after an adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy procedure. Our treatment goals include:
Proper treatment is essential because even after surgical interventions like tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, the root causes may persist. Addressing breathing and swallowing patterns can lead to natural improvements and prevent recurring issues. Our multidisciplinary approach aims to transform the healthcare system’s approach to childhood health, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for your child.
Mouth taping may seem like an unconventional concept, but at Hobson Institute, we believe it plays a critical role in addressing swollen tonsils and adenoids in children. Understanding the importance of this technique is essential for parents seeking holistic and natural solutions.
Note: This is not recommended to be done without the guidance of our craniofacial therapists as some children may not be appropriate due to excessive swelling that may require more surgical intervention. The craniofacial therapist may also have recommendations that lead toward the ability to be able to eventually tape but may start with recommendations that begin to reduce swelling without necessarily covering the entire mouth of the child. That is critical is to have the nose begin to work as the nose and nasal breathing is the focus to healing this problem.
When tonsils and adenoids become swollen, it often results in symptoms like snoring, breathing through the mouth, and disrupted sleep patterns. These issues can be exacerbated when a child habitually breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. Mouth breathing, particularly during sleep, can lead to inflammation and enlargement of these lymphatic tissues, perpetuating a cycle of discomfort and respiratory challenges.
Mouth taping, as part of our holistic approach, serves as a valuable tool in correcting this issue. By gently closing the mouth during sleep, we encourage the child to breathe through their nose. This seemingly simple act can have profound effects:
At Hobson Institute, we recommend age-appropriate mouth taping techniques (mouth taping is only appropriate for ages 4 and up), ensuring that the child’s comfort and safety are paramount. It’s important to note that mouth taping should always be implemented under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, myofunctional therapist, or speech pathologist, trained in restoring proper breathing patterns.
Incorporating mouth taping into your child’s treatment plan, along with other holistic approaches like breathing retraining and dietary adjustments, can lead to significant improvements in their overall health.
Ears and Tongue-Tie: A Vital Connection
When a child faces the prospect of ear tube surgery, it’s a concerning moment for parents. At Hobson Institute, we recognize the importance of this sign, which often points to an underlying tongue issue affecting your child’s breathing and swallowing.
The Role of the Tongue
The tongue plays a crucial role in our daily lives, particularly in swallowing. Without realizing it, we swallow 1500 to 2000 times a day. Proper tongue posture is essential for efficient swallowing. When the tongue is correctly positioned just behind the upper front teeth and flattened against the roof of the mouth, each swallow creates a natural upward pressure on the maxilla or palate. This action aids in the drainage of the eustachian tubes, connected to the ears, ensuring their optimal function.
Mouth Breathing and Tongue Posture
Children who habitually breathe through their mouths often exhibit incorrect tongue posture. Mouth breathing leads to the tongue resting lower in the mouth, reducing the pressure required to widen the roof of the mouth and promote forward growth of the mid-face. This can result in a narrower nasal passage, making it challenging for your child to breathe through their nose.
Eustachian Tube Challenges
In addition, the eustachian tubes in younger children tend to be more horizontal. When combined with incorrect tongue posture and swallowing patterns, these tubes may not drain effectively. This can lead to ear-related problems, including infections and hearing difficulties.
The Need for Evaluation and Treatment
Any child recommended for ear tube surgery should undergo evaluation by a qualified professional trained in restoring proper swallowing patterns, oral posture, and lip seal. This evaluation is crucial to address the root causes of ear-related problems.
A Brighter Future for Your Child
Children struggling with ear issues due to swollen tonsils, adenoids, and tongue-related challenges deserve comprehensive care. Left unaddressed, these problems can hinder a child’s ability to hear well and affect their performance in school.
At Hobson Institute, we are dedicated to helping children overcome these obstacles and ensuring their long-term well-being. Our approach focuses on restoring proper function through holistic and natural methods. If your child has been recommended for ear tube surgery or is facing ear-related concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact us to make an appointment with one of our clinicians today.
