Transamazon Hospital warns about throat and nose problems
HRPT is a reference in the region for pediatric treatments. 98% of all patients who went through the Otolaryngology department of the unit this year are aged 1 to 14 years
With the characteristic restlessness of a 4-year-old child, Weverton Miguel could only think of one thing: going home. It hardly seems like less than 24 hours ago he had undergone throat surgery at the Regional Public Hospital of Transamazon (HRPT) in Altamira. "He had a high fever and a lot of throat pain. In his four years of life, he has had 4 injections of Benzetacil," says his mother, Sarah Mota Ferreira, about her son's routine, who started showing symptoms from the first months of life.
Weverton is one of the children aged 1 to 14 who needed to undergo surgery at HRPT due to throat, nose, and ear problems. This group accounts for 98% of all patients who went through the Otolaryngology department of the unit this year, according to a report from the Operational Nucleus, responsible for compiling the data. Mariana Sophya, 6 years old, is also on the list. She was discharged on August 1, a day after her surgery.
Mariana's mother, Samira Soares, explains that since 2022 she noticed something was wrong with her daughter. It was after a practice still common in the region: "we live in the countryside, she inhaled smoke from a burn and had shortness of breath." At first, the mother thought it would be temporary, but the cough and shortness of breath did not cease, until a more detailed examination indicated adenoid hypertrophy (abnormal enlargement of the tissue behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth) as the cause of the respiratory problems. Since then, Sophya has been monitored by doctors and received appropriate treatment and surgery at the Regional Hospital of Transamazon.
Upon entering HRPT, pediatric patients are monitored from the moment they arrive by a multidisciplinary team made up of technicians, nurses, doctors, psychologists, and social services. The goal is for the patient, accustomed to the routine at home, to adapt to the new environment while treatment lasts. Emilly Aguiar is part of the team. "When they arrive at the unit, along with their guardians, they are guided about the routines and welcomed, answering questions about the procedures to be performed and making the hospitalization period as light and pleasant as possible," details the nurse.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the surgery can last from 30 minutes to hours. Doctor Yasmim Gonçalves assesses that these problems directly affect the quality of life. "In general, it is related to persistent nasal obstruction, snoring, sleep apnea, oral breathing, and changes in the child's facial development."
The treatment can be performed in two ways. "With medications and, when we see that we do not have results from clinical treatment, we perform a surgical approach that we carry out at the Regional Hospital," explains Yasmim, who was the one who operated on Weverton and Mariana.
Recognized treatment - A reference in medium and high complexity care, the Regional Public Hospital of Transamazon, managed since 2022 by the Acqua Institute, in partnership with the Government of Pará, has already performed more than 4 million procedures (17,500 per month). Among the more than 20 specialties available through the Unified Health System (SUS), Pediatrics is recognized with a seal of excellence and has the approval of those who need the service.
"I confess that I was a little scared at first because it was surgery, but the team deserves congratulations, from the reception, the nurses, the attendants, they have a lot of attention, a lot of care for us. I am going home happy because my son is going home recovered," celebrates Weverton's mother.
Nose and throat diseases in children - According to the Brazilian Society of Otolaryngology, about 60% of children between 3 and 7 years old develop some type of nose and throat pathology, especially adenoid hypertrophy, which can cause, among other things, nasal obstruction, respiratory problems, and sleep disturbances.
Doctor Yasmim Gonçalves warns that upon noticing the signs and symptoms, parents or guardians should seek professional help to prevent worsening. "Our role as otolaryngologists is essential to try to prevent these cases, identifying those who need surgery and starting treatment as quickly as possible."
Text: Rômulo D’Castro (HRPT)
