Does it sound like DD has enlarged adenoids?

[Abubu]

Hi,

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice as unfortuately I don't have a lot of faith in my GP.

DD3 is 9 months old and for the last 5 months or so she has been quite a restless sleeper, has a permanently runny nose (literally every day, very runny), she is a bit of a snorer, breathes through her mouth and occasionally holds her breath for a few seconds while asleep.

I have been to the GP a couple of times and so far they have prescribed saline drops, antibiotics and nasal decongestant drops which the pharmacist told me should only be used for children aged 6 and over.

Also when I mentioned DD holding her breath for a few seconds while asleep to the GP today and he said it was nothing to worry about.
(see why I have no faith ?)

I've just reading on the internet and it sounds like a lot of these symptoms are associated with enlarged adenoids.

Can I go straight to the hospital to have her checked or do I need to be referred by my GP, as pretty sure he will just say not to worry.

Thanks.

I've had this too. Saw a nurse and a GP who said don't worry, he will grow out of it.

Now 13 months. No runny nose but restless sleep and breathing at times. Thinking if going back and asking for referral to ENT. Makes me cross they were so lax about it.

The holding breath for a few seconds while asleep is normal, some do it for up to 20 seconds. DS does it and it worried me but the GP and the specialists he sees have said its normal.

dd's ENT team said they don't usually remove adenoids or tonsils until over a year old - if thats the norm, then no huge rush anyway I'm afraid. They would only do it then if she had severe sleep apnoea (dd used to stop breathing for several seconds, then gasp for breath, and be covered with sweat from the effort of breathing at night) or wasn't feeding well. Or at least, thats what I was told.

I still think, if you are concerned, asking for a referral to ENT would be appropriate - yes, your GP would need to refer you I'm afraid if its not an emergency (ie A&E). But if your little dd is feeding and sleeping well, there's no need to rush.

Personally, I would wait until the spring to see if the runny nose improves - then around her first birthday, if nothing better or anything worse, ask for that referral in a firm voice! But if that feels wrong to you or you are anxious about her health, push for it now.