Adenoids

                       Adenoid

The adenoids are masses of gland-like tissue located on the back wall of the throat above the soft palate.  Adenoids like tonsils help filter out infectious organisms that enter the body through the oral cavities (nose or mouth).  Children's adenoids grow between the ages of three and five and gradually shrink, virtually disappearing by puberty.  At times the adenoids grow abnormally large and become infected (aka adenoiditis).  Severely enlarged adenoids may block the airway between the nose and throat making it difficult, almost impossible to breathe through the nose, increasing the incidence of middle-ear infections or block the eustachian tubes.  A child's adenoids may grow abnormally large for no particular reason.  Allergic reactions can also cause adenoiditis.

Tonsils and Adenoids

Tonsils and adenoids are similar to the lymph nodes or “glands” found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two round lumps in the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible through the mouth or nose without special instruments.

 Symptoms

The first symptom of this infection is to breathe through your mouth. As the enlargement of the adenoids are completely blocks the flow of air through the nose allowing the child to breathe only through your mouth. Mouth breathing becomes more evident at night during sleep. However, in some cases, mouth breathing is also during the day. Results of breathing through the mouth chapped lips and dry mouth. Severe infection of the adenoids and dry mouth often leads to bad breath. Apart from that change often voice due to enlarged adenoids.

Other symptoms of infection in the adenoids are ear infections, sleep apnea and snoring. In extreme cases, the adenoids also results in pressure on the heart. Sleep problems in children can result in inadequate growth of the child.

Children must be cared for by their parents so they do not often suffer from viral infections. If children are prone to infection after infection causes must be identified and precautions taken. If the child is infected by the disease treatment should be done immediately to the doctor not to reach the severe stage.

Treatment

Antibiotics and observation. Surgical removal is necessary in children when breathing is hindered and sleep apnea is present.  For these patients, a tonsillectomy is often performed with the adenoidectomy.  Removal of the adenoid pad is also recommended when a child has persistent sinus infections which do not respond to antibiotics.

Chronic infection and enlargement of the adenoids in children can also affect the Eustachian tubes which causes recurrent, frequent ear infections and possible hearing loss. Adenoidectomy has proven to be beneficial for children with chronic ear infections and middle-ear fluid (Otitis Media), and is commonly performed in combination with Tympanostomy tube placement (Ear Tubes) in order to achieve complete relief.