Enlarged palatine and pharyngeal tonsils is one of the most frequent occurrences in otorhinolaryngology, and it is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. AIM: To evaluate the impact of adenotonsillectomy in the quality of life of children with adenotonsillar hyperplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 36 parents/guardians of children who underwent adenotonsillectomy were interviewed, before and after surgery. We used a special Questionnaire about quality of life (developed by Serres' et al. 2000), whose items included physical distress, sleep disorders, speech and swallowing disorders, emotional distress, limitation in activities and parent's/guardian's concern. RESULTS: The quality of life of all children improved after surgery. There was direct association between the level of airway obstruction and sleep disorders, parent's/guardian's concern and average scores. Comparing the items, we found statistical association between emotional distress and sleep disorders; parent's/guardian's concern and sleep disorders and limitation in activities and emotional distress. CONCLUSION: Enlarged tonsils and obstructive sleep apnea worsen the quality of life of children, especially because of physical distress and sleep disorders. Adenotonsillectomy greatly improves the quality of life of these patients.
obstructive sleep apnea; adenotonsillectomy; quality of life
