Surgery for breathing problems in children typically involves procedures such as adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, turbinate reduction, or a combination of these. These interventions target anatomical blockages that can affect the upper airway and disrupt normal breathing patterns, especially during sleep. The goal is to remove obstructions that contribute to symptoms like snoring, mouth breathing, frequent infections, drooling, teeth grinding, facial growth abnormalities or pauses in breathing during sleep. These procedures are considered functional surgeries that can drastically improve a child’s health and wellbeing.
Children with sleep-disordered breathing or enlarged tonsils and adenoids often show noticeable changes after surgery. These changes may include improved mood, reduced illness frequency, better appetite, and even more restful sleep. The long-term benefit of early intervention is not just symptom relief, but also the prevention of further complications in speech development, facial bone growth, teeth grinding, jaw alignment and need for braces later, or cognitive performance.
Who Needs It (Candidates for Surgery for Breathing Problems)
Children who may benefit from surgery often display a consistent pattern of disrupted sleep, chronic infections, or breathing issues. Typical signs include loud snoring, witnessed apnoeas during sleep, chronic nasal congestion, and frequent tonsillitis or ear infections. In some cases, symptoms may extend into daytime behavior, such as tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or underperformance at school. A thorough ENT assessment can help identify anatomical contributors to these symptoms. Often patients are referred by their dentists because of concerns with teeth grinding, jaw/facial bone growth or teeth malalignment.
Dr Braham evaluates each child holistically, considering the family’s observations, physical examinations, and supporting investigations like sleep studies or nasal endoscopy. Surgery is recommended only when clearly beneficial, and when conservative measures like medications or watchful waiting have proven insufficient.
Benefits of Surgery for Breathing Problems
Children who undergo airway surgery typically experience transformative improvements in their health and quality of life. The most immediate benefit is better sleep – fewer breathing pauses, less waking, and deeper rest. Improved sleep has a ripple effect, leading to enhanced focus at school, improved behavior, and better emotional regulation.
Additionally, reducing the size of tonsils or adenoids lowers the risk of repeated infections, which means fewer antibiotic courses and missed school days. Many parents also report their children eat and grow better after surgery, with noticeable weight gain or improved growth trajectories. Restoring proper nasal airflow can help correct mouth breathing, which supports dental development and reduces the risk of facial asymmetries or need for dental braces over time.
Consultation for Surgery for Breathing Problems
The consultation process with Dr Simon Braham is designed to be thorough and family-focused. Parents are invited to describe all symptoms, concerns, and goals. Dr Braham listens attentively, performs a detailed examination, and may recommend further diagnostics such as a sleep study or nasoendoscopy to visualise the nasal and throat structures.
He takes the time to explain his findings clearly and compassionately, making sure that every family feels informed and empowered in their decision-making. Any proposed treatment plan is tailored to the child’s unique needs, and all surgical options, risks, and recovery steps are covered in detail.
How is it Performed (Surgery for Breathing Problems)
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital facility. Depending on the specific diagnosis, Dr Braham may remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy), the adenoids (adenoidectomy), reduce the size of the nasal turbinates (turbinoplasty) or clear the sinuses of inflammation (FESS).
Parents can be with their child at all times, come into theatre whilst their child is being anesthetized, be there in recovery when their child wakes up and stay overnight with their child if necessary. Your child will feel assured at all times with their caregivers present.
Advanced techniques such as coblation, which uses low-temperature radiofrequency, help minimise bleeding and postoperative discomfort. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Once completed, your child is monitored closely in recovery and can often return home the same day or overnight.
At Melbourne ENT we have a great team to look after the health of your child and the caregivers. We use anesthetists that are experts in the management of children and will address all of your concerns about your child having an anesthetic including the process of anesthesia, risks, recovery and pain management. You can speak to your anesthetist in the days before the surgery or meet them on the day. The Nurses at Masada are very experienced with airway surgery in children and will help make the process as seamless as possible.
Parents are supported throughout the hospital experience, from pre-admission planning to postoperative care instructions. Our team ensures every question is answered and that you are fully prepared for the recovery process.
Recovery After Surgery for Breathing Problems
Recovery varies slightly by procedure, but most children bounce back within 7 to 14 days. In the first few days, children may feel sore and prefer soft, cool foods especially ice cream!. Adequate hydration and regular pain relief are important. Dr Braham and the team provide a detailed recovery plan and are available for any follow-up concerns.
By the end of the first week, most children are eating more comfortably and resuming quiet activities at home. Full return to school or daycare is typically possible within two weeks. Improvements in sleep and behavior may be evident within days to weeks following surgery, depending on the child’s baseline health.
Risks and Complications of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry some risk, but complications from these common ENT surgeries are rare. The most frequent concern is bleeding, especially in the first week post-op. Infection, pain, and anaesthetic side effects are also possible. Very rarely, changes in speech or nasal tone may occur, though these are typically temporary.
Melbourne ENT prioritises safety through meticulous surgical technique, experienced anaesthetists, and proactive follow-up care. Parents are given emergency contact details and thorough advice on what to watch for. For a complete list of risks, see our dedicated Risks & Complications page.
Cost of Surgery for Breathing Problems
We understand that surgery costs can be a concern for families. At Melbourne ENT, we provide upfront guidance on the potential expenses involved. These may include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetic charges, hospital costs, and any necessary investigations.
Most families with private health insurance will have the majority of these expenses covered. Out-of-pocket costs exist and we will explain them clearly after the comprehensive assessment.. Visit our Costs & Fees page for further details or call our office to request an estimate.
Medicare Coverage and Insurance
Procedures such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy turbinoplasty and FESS are generally covered under Medicare and private health insurance when medically indicated. Item numbers for these surgeries are standard and help facilitate insurance rebates. Our administrative staff can assist you in confirming your coverage, checking for potential gap fees, and helping with the paperwork to make the process as smooth as possible.
We encourage families to reach out early with any questions about insurance so we can help them feel fully prepared.
Why Choose Dr Simon Braham and Melbourne ENT
Dr Simon Braham is a highly regarded ENT specialist with a strong focus on paediatric care. His extensive experience, international training, and genuine commitment to patient wellbeing make him a preferred choice for families across Victoria.
He is known for his team approach, his calm, friendly manner with children and his clear, honest communication with parents. Every child he treats receives attentive, expert care from the initial consultation through to recovery and follow-up.
At Melbourne ENT we have a fantastic team and we strive to create a supportive, welcoming environment where families feel safe, heard, and respected. Your child’s comfort and outcome are our top priorities as is the care and support given to the parents.
“After surgery, our daughter started sleeping soundly for the first time in years. Dr Braham was thoughtful, thorough, and made us feel completely supported.” – Parent testimonial
FAQs About Surgery for Kids’ Breathing Problems
How do I know if my child’s snoring is something to worry about?
- Occasional snoring can be normal, especially during a cold, but if your child snores loudly most nights, has pauses in breathing, or seems tired during the day, it could signal a more serious airway issue like obstructive sleep apnoea.
My child is very anxious about doctors – how do you help children feel safe and comfortable before surgery?
- At Melbourne ENT, we use a calm, friendly approach and explain things in child-appropriate language. Familiar routines, parental presence, and trusted paediatric anaesthetists and paediatric nurses all help reduce fear and build trust.
Will fixing my child’s breathing also help with their behaviour or learning?
- Yes, often. Poor sleep from breathing issues can affect concentration, mood, and even memory. After surgery, many parents notice improvements in school performance and overall behaviour.
What if my child has other medical conditions – is this surgery still safe?
- Dr Braham and the anaethetist assesses each child individually. If your child has asthma, allergies, or other health needs, we coordinate care closely with your GP or paediatrician to ensure a safe plan.
Does this surgery affect my child’s speech or voice?
- In most cases, no. If enlarged adenoids or tonsils were distorting speech, surgery may actually improve vocal tone and clarity. Any temporary changes are typically mild and resolve during healing.
How soon after surgery will we see improvements in sleep or breathing?
- Some children breathe easier immediately after surgery, while others may take a few weeks as swelling settles. Most parents notice a clear difference in sleep within two to three weeks.
Can untreated breathing problems affect my child’s growth or development?
- Yes. Chronic sleep deprivation or poor oxygenation can impact growth, weight gain, and brain development. Surgery can help restore healthy sleep and support your child’s overall development.
Sources:
- New standards in pediatric airway reconstruction – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/new-standards-in-pediatric-airway-reconstruction/mac-20442682 - Baby Makrii breathes easier after innovative airway surgery at Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic News Network
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/baby-makrii-breathes-easier-after-innovative-airway-surgery-at-mayo-clinic/ - Airway Abnormalities, Mankato – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/mankato/services-and-treatments/otorhinolaryngology/pediatric-ent-conditions/airway-abnormalities - Airway Surgery in Children | Frontiers Research Topic – Frontiers in Pediatrics
https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/8832/airway-surgery-in-children/magazine - Endoscopic surgery for treatment of paediatric upper airway diseases – ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751722208700106 - Challenges and outcomes of airway surgery in a post‐war low-resource setting – PMC (NCBI)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11570768/ - Pediatric Tracheal Surgery – Mayo Clinic (YouTube video by Mayo Clinic experts)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz6LV8G-W58
Call To Action
If your child is struggling with sleep, snoring, or frequent infections, help is available. Book a consultation with Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT to explore whether surgery may be the right option. Call us at (03) 9038 1311 or visit the website.
We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and provide expert care every step of the way.
Further Reading
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Throat Concerns and Conditions
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Breathing Problems for Adults Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Voice and Larynx Disorders
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Rhinorrhea Melbourne
Why Choose Dr Kleid ?
Dr Stephen Kleid,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.
Qualifications
- AHPRA (Medical Board)
- MB, BS; FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
- AAFPS – Member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- AAFPRS – (International Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)
Dr Kleid’s Procedures
Why Choose Dr Braham ?
Dr Simon Braham,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Simon Braham MBBS (Hons) FRACS is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne, performing tonsil, grommet and sinus surgery for children & adults. He helps patients with breathing issues, snoring concerns and sleep disturbances.
Dr Braham’s Procedures
How can we help?
The Melbourne ENT Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the St Kilda East clinic in Melbourne between 9am – 5 pm on Weekdays.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Please read our website and blogs to find out more about your procedure and concerns
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment Options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- We encourage you to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, as they can provide an extra perspective and support throughout the process.
- It is important to take thorough notes and carefully review all the documents provided to you.
How to Book a Consultation
- A referral from your GP or Specialist is necessary to see a surgeon for a consultation.
- Dr Kleid’s Nose Surgery consultation fee is $600 which includes a nasendoscopy ($300).
- Please contact us to book your consultation.