Jessecliffton W., 5

Jesse is the first-born child in a family of two siblings. He has suffered from a persistent cough for a long time, with symptoms recurring on and off. He has received treatment in several health facilities, but his condition never fully resolved. In June 2023, he was at a hospital, and he was diagnosed with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, due to financial constraints, the recommended surgical intervention could not be undertaken. Jesse continued to receive medical management with regular follow-ups, but his condition progressively worsened. He began experiencing difficulty in breathing, especially at night, leading to interrupted sleep, loud snoring, and persistent coughing. Over time, his breathing problems became more severe, and he would occasionally wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air. His mother described these episodes as terrifying, as she helplessly watched her child struggle to breathe. In search of help, Jesse’s mother visited a local church to inquire whether there was any form of assistance available, as the nights had become increasingly distressing. During her visit, the pastor recalled a young gentleman who had previously visited the church and left behind a business card. The church leaders called the number on the card and managed to reach a Helpster Charity volunteer. The volunteer asked a few questions over the phone to understand Jesse’s condition and the family’s situation and promised to follow up. True to his word, he later called back and referred Jesse to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment under the support of Helpster Charity.

The review of the doctor recommended an operation procedure - Adenotonsillectomy - a surgical procedure to remove both the tonsils and the adenoids. It is most commonly performed on children when these tissues are enlarged or frequently infected, leading to issues like chronic ear infections, nasal congestion, and obstructive sleep apnea. Following surgery, Jesse’s condition is expected to improve significantly. The persistent cough will also decrease as the airway obstruction and recurrent irritation improve.