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Tonsillectomy and Airway Obstruction During Sleep
Caregiver Counseling
1. What is obstructive sleep disordered breathing?
• oSDB is air is blocked during sleep. It can be caused by large tonsils and
adenoids. Children that are overweight may also have oSDB. Children with
oSDB may be sleepy during the day, act out, struggle in school, have nighttime
bed wetting, and may be small for their age.
2. How is oSDB diagnosed?
• A sleep study or polysomnography (pol-ee-som-nog-ruh-fee) or "PSG" may be
needed to see if your child has oSDB. The test is done in a sleep lab. A medical
technician will put small discs or pads on your child's head and body. Your
child's heart rate, body movements, oxygen levels, and breathing through their
mouth and nose will be measured.
3. Will my child's oSDB go away after tonsillectomy?
• Tonsillectomy helps almost all normal-weight children with oSDB and it
improves sleep in most of children in this group. Tonsillectomy also helps
overweight children with oSDB but sleep is not always improved. Your child's
oSDB may not go away or it may return even after tonsillectomy.
4. What if I have more questions?
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have any further questions.
