ADHD/ Tonsils

K.,
Yes!! I have two kids that had that same problem.I was told they had ADAH and after I had there tonsils removed there behavior improved and my oldest had a bed wetting issue that went away after his tonsils were removed. the Sleep apnea is better, but did not go way.I think it is a good idea to look into it. I told another friend about it and she had her kids tonsils removed and the same thing happen with her kid. good luck

You need to have a sleep study done. My son has ADHD but was checked for sleep apnea as part of the diagnosis of the ADHD. My doctor wouldn't even give meds for ADHD until she ruled out sleep apnea and several other things. If you really feel your child has sleep apnea the sleep study needs to be done soon so he can get the help for that.Good luck

Hi K.---I just heard about a study that confirmed your supposition, sleep apnea can contribute to hyperactivity. I heard it on an NPR program, I think Talk of the Nation. If you go to NPR.org and then the link to TOTN, you should be able to find the interview and listen to it. It was on this week. Also, be sure you are looking at your child's diet to remove all additives, colorings, preservatives, etc as they are a known contributor to hyperactivity. Following a reduced gluten or gluten free diet as well as adding a high quality fish oil helps with that as well. Good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions. In health, D.

Dear Kelli, my son had his tonsils removed after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and having enlarged tonsils. It did help him quite a bit. However, his best friend had it done too, and it didn't change a thing. So, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. If your pediatrician refuses to authorize it according to the "criteria', ask for a referral to a ears/nose/throat specialist, as that is how we got approval to get it done for my son. K..

Hi Kelli,

2 of my 3 children have had their tonsils and adenoids out. My oldest has ADHD. The only thing the surgery changed was her frequent ear and upper respiratory infections. They both sleep better and my son no longer snores.

Hi.. my son has Aspergers and had his tonsils removed... meds only changed his behavior.... but...
I have heard that having them out can improve behavior and concentration because the child is sleeping and breathing better.. I don't have any facts in writing on that... just something I've heard while hanging with some other special needs moms.

J.

Hi K.

I have a 5 year old daughter, she doesn't have ADHD but she is a very active and hyper child, I knew she had sleep apnea cause she snored and woke alot during the night which made her crabby and more hyper during the day. Plus she isnt a big eater so we figured with the toncils out her appetite might improve cause she is under-weight. so she had her toncils and adnoids removed. It was a hard week of recovery for her, but she got through it and definatley sleeps better at night but is just as active and hyper as before so that didn't improve.

her tonsels were removed when she was almost 7..didnt know she had adhd then. No real change.

C.

I am so glad you have done research - I went to a top pediatric sleep specialist and he told me he believes up to 70% of children medicated for ADHD actually are suffering from Sleep Apnea. My son was treated with an anti-epileptic at age 4 and at 6 we found a treatment called "Neurolink" (have a look on Google) and he no longer suffers from sleep apnea - which, according to the standard MD's, is a life sentence.
I would totally recommend taking him for a sleep test - worth every penny.
Best of luck
S.

K.~
I used to study sleep. You would be (as I was) amazed to learn the effects that sleep apnea can have on a person's health. Every aspect of health is affected by lack of sleep. Usually, a person with sleep apnea is actually waking up hundreds of times per night, even though they may only remember a few of them. When monitored, the brainwaves are clearly in 'wake' instead of sleep. Can you imagine the problems this causes in children, who need every minute of their nights sleep for their growing bodies and brains? Also, sleep apnea is not an obese person's disorder...many times tall thin people are prone to it because of their longer necks....seriously! Simply, the tissue in the back of the throat closes off the air supply, causing the snorting and gasping that you hear. A CPAP machine is a wonderful invention, although it does NOT force air into a persons lungs. It blows a stream of air delivered via mask to keep the soft tissue from collapsing, therefore keeping the airway open. For a child, though, I would always recommend a sleep study and if necessary, surgery. And kudos to you for thinking outside the box!
~L.

After the tonsils and adenoids were removed (son with ADHD snored loudly, had apnea)my son slept better and quit getting ear and throat infections, but there was no change in the ADHD symptoms. 2 years later we decided he had to take medication to help control his symptoms of ADHD.

K.,

I personally have never heard of it contributing to hyperactivity. But, my father suffers from sleep apnea. Many years ago he had his tonsils and adnoids removed due to the excessive tissue blocking his airways. In addition to this he sleeps with a C-PAP machine - it forces fresh air into his lungs. This helps him to sleep deeply and get more rest. Before all of this he was very lethargic and tired all of the time. Now, he gets up very early everyday.

I know my father is and his sixties and overweight so it doesnt apply to you little boy. But, it is the total opposite to the effect you want to create.

Good luck!

A friend's son hade his tonsils and adenoids taking out, and what was causing *all* the problems, they found out after the surgery, was a low-level sensitivity to corn, wheat and cane sugar. The worst days were when he had all three at a time, but over time (and by mostly eliminating the sources) it became obvious when he'd had any in a day.

Turned out the tonsil and adenoid problems were caused by the sensitivity to the foods, which made the surgery a bit unnecessary.

Couldn't say if surgery is the answer; but, if you are interested, I know of a natural way to help your family with ADHD.

S.
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