OBSTRUCTING ADENOIDS IN ADOLESCENTS - CHANGING TRENDS

The number of adolescents undergoing surgery for obstructing adenoids has increased significantly in our practice in recent years. Over an 1 1-year period during which 539 adenoidectomies were performed, the mea n age of patients increased progressively from 4.6 years in 1980 to 7. 88 years in 1990. The median age gradually increased over the same per iod from 4 to 7 years, and the standard deviation from 4.95 to 19.38. Enlarged adenoids should be considered in the differential diagnosis o f adolescents suffering from nasal obstruction, snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.