The study evaluated 59 children aged 6-12 years with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and ADHD who underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Â Of 59 children, 51 had SIGNIFICANT improvement in ADHD symptoms 3 months after the surgery. Â The results were statistically significant for both boys and girls.
Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids frequently snore. Â Snoring is a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, and possibly, obstructive sleep apnea. Â Although these children sleep through the night, their sleep is not restorative. Â The airway obstruction caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy leads to disrupted sleep, with less time spent in the important, deeper stages of sleep. Â The lack of quality sleep leads to irritability, reduced concentration, and hyperactivity during the day.
This study indicated that adenotonsillectomy, which eliminated snoring(and sleep-disordered breathing) can significantly improve symptoms of ADHD in children.