Nasal infections

  My 4.5 year old daughter seems to have some problems with constant nasal
  infections.  Her nose is stuffed all the time, very often running nose
  later leading to full of thick looking discharge.  She cannot breath
  through her nose.  The doctor suggested having her adnoids pulled out,
  he insisted on toncils as well, but I didn't like the idea.  I was wondering
  whether you think there might be some other reason or some other way of
  treating this condition other than operation.

[HFHS.RN-AM]

Dear Agnes,
I apologize for the dalay in answering you question.
Removing your child's tonsils and adenoids (adenoids) may or may not improve her condition. It is important to consider other less invasive options before submitting to surgery. T&A's are most often performed on children who have chronic otitis medis (ear infections) and recurrent strep throat infections.
Allergies are a very common cause of recurring runny nose (or allergic rhinitis). While allergies often run in families, sometimes children with no family history suffer from allergies. Frequently allergic rhinitis is seasonal, which means the child tends to suffer worse certain times of the year . Allergies can be worse during pollen season in the spring or in late summer due to hayfever. Fall has been especially bad this year in the US due to high mold counts. If her rhinitis is year-round, it may be something in your house, like pets, smoking, perfume, dust mites, or cleaning solutions. Referral to an allergist may be helpful in this regard.
Chronic sinusitis should also be considered as well as less common underlying causes such as cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, or metabolic disease.
HFHS.RN-AM
*KEYWORD: Allergies, allergic rhinitis, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy