Effects of Adenotonsillectomy on Children with Asthma
A Prospective Study

Based on the results of the retrospective study investigating the effects of adenotonsillectomy on children with asthma, a prospective study was conducted.  The study involved 31 patients and yielded similar results.  Patients from a tertiary care center with a large primary referral base between the ages 2-12 years of age were included in the study if they carried a previous diagnosis of asthma by their primary care provider or pediatric pulmonologist and presented with an independent indication for adenotonsillectomy.   Data collection methods were identical.  A questionnaire allowed primary care givers to report on medication use, missed school days, caregivers missed work days, and caregiver perception of asthma severity before and after surgery.  These measures were obtained at least 6 months after surgery.  

Results:

Results again showed a reduction in asthma medication usage:  21 (68%) used steroids pre-op, 8(26%) post-op, asthma severity score was 2 pre-op, 0.81 post-op, Missed school days/yr pre-op 12.5, post-op 6.1, and missed parental work days pre-op 13.3, post-op 2.1 (Karas, 2006).  This study also suggests that patients who undergo adenotonsillectomy may experience a significant improvement in their asthma.