Which procedure is commonly performed to improve breathing by removing inflamed or infected tissue in the throat?

The procedure commonly performed to improve breathing by removing inflamed or infected tissue in the throat is an adenoidectomy. This surgical operation specifically targets the adenoids, which are lymphatic tissues located at the back of the nasal cavity. When the adenoids become enlarged due to infection or chronic inflammation, they can obstruct normal airflow through the nasal passages, contributing to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep.

An adenoidectomy effectively alleviates these symptoms by excising the problematic tissue, thereby opening up the airway and enabling better respiration. The improvement in breathing is particularly significant in children, who often experience issues related to enlarged adenoids, such as snoring or sleep apnea.

In contrast, bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows for direct visualization of the airways and can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as removing foreign bodies or taking biopsies, but it does not involve the removal of tissue to improve breathing itself. Pharyngoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing or reconstructing the pharynx and is typically not focused on the treatment of inflamed tissue. Laryngectomy involves the surgical removal of the larynx, often due to cancer, which is a more drastic measure and not used specifically for inflammation or infection