Are Enlarged Adenoids?
Adenoids are small tissues located at the back
of the throat. They are similar to the tonsils, and are located right above
them. Your tonsils can be seen if you look at the back of your throat, but the
adenoids aren’t directly visible. Both adenoids and tonsils are part of the
immune system, which helps to prevent and fight infection in your body.
The adenoids can cause problems
if they become enlarged. Fortunately, they are not an essential part of the
immune system and they generally can be treated by removing them.
Causes Enlarged Adenoids?
Adenoids are present at birth.
They grow until a child is between the ages of 3 and 5. Normally, they begin to
shrink after around age 7. They shrink considerably in adulthood.
They’re located in the passage
that connects the back of the nasal cavity to the throat. They produce
antibodies to help your body fight off infections. They also help control
bacteria and viruses that can enter through your nose. During the early years,
adenoids help protect infants from infection. They trap bacteria and viruses
when they enter the body.
Adenoids that become infected
usually become enlarged, but return to their normal size when the infection
subsides. However, in some instances, the adenoids remain enlarged, even after the
infection is gone.
Enlarged adenoids can also be
caused by allergies. Some children have enlarged adenoids from birth.
Are the Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids?
Enlarged adenoids can cause a
number of symptoms, including:
- ear problems
- sore throat
glands in the neck
- problems breathing
through the nose
- glue ear
(fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can cause hearing problems)
- cracked lips
and dry mouth (from breathing problems)
- sleep apnea
(irregular breathing during sleep)
Are Enlarged Adenoids Diagnosed?
The doctor will first ask about
the symptoms your child is experiencing. Then your child will receive a
physical exam. The doctor will use a special mirror and insert a small,
flexible telescope (known as an endoscope)
through the nose to view the adenoids.
Depending on what your doctor
finds, your child may need a blood test to check for infection. In some cases,
an X-ray exam of the throat may be necessary.
In severe cases, your child may
need to undergo a sleep study. This will determine if they are suffering from
sleep apnea. During the study, your child will sleep overnight at a facility
while their breathing and brain activity are monitored using electrodes. The
study is painless, but it can be difficult for some children to sleep in a
Is the Treatment for Enlarged Adenoids?
Treatment depends on how severe
the condition is. If your child’s enlarged adenoids aren’t infected the doctor
may not recommend surgery. Instead, the doctor may choose to simply wait and
see if the adenoids shrink on their own as your child gets older.
In other cases, your doctor may
recommend medication to heal enlarged adenoids. However, it’s common for enlarged
adenoids to be removed. The procedure is fairly simple and doesn’t have many
risks. This surgery is called an adenoidectomy.
If a child has been having
frequent tonsil infections, the doctor might remove the tonsils as well. The
tonsils and adenoids are often removed at the same time. It’s important for the
adenoids to be removed, especially if your child is experiencing repeated
infections that lead to sinus and ear infections. Adenoids that are very badly
swollen can also lead to infections or middle ear fluid, which can temporarily
cause hearing loss.
Your child will be given a mild
sedative before surgery to help calm them. They will then be placed under
general anesthesia. The surgery lasts no more than two hours.
After the adenoids are removed,
your child might experience:
- a sore
- a blocked
The doctor will prescribe an
antibiotic to protect against any infection. Your child may also receive a mild
pain reliever for the first few days. Children are also urged to drink cold,
icy drinks, like milkshakes and ice cream, and to avoid any warm foods for the
first seven days.
Symptoms should clear up in a few
Is the Long-Term Outlook for Enlarged Adenoids?
It’s common for children to have
enlarged adenoids. Be sure to have your child examined as soon as possible if
you notice that they are experiencing any of the symptoms of enlarged adenoids.
Enlarged adenoids are a very treatable condition and some cases can be treated
with a simple antibiotic.