A 5-year-old child presents with snoring, apnoeic episodes, and failure to thrive. Examination reveals large obstructing adenoids. Overnight polysomnography confirms OSA with an AHI of 10 events/hour. The definitive treatment is:

• A Intranasal corticosteroid spray for 6 months
• B Adenotonsillectomy ✓
• C CPAP therapy
• D Weight reduction and exercise programme

Explanation

Adenotonsillectomy is the first-line, definitive treatment for paediatric OSA secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy. It results in cure or significant improvement of OSA in approximately 80% of otherwise healthy children. CPAP is reserved for residual OSA post-surgery, syndromic children, or those with contraindications to surgery. Intranasal corticosteroids may help mild adenoid hypertrophy but are insufficient for moderate-severe OSA.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.