Adenoids are lymph tissue located just behind the nasal passage, similar to the tonsils. They are a part of the immune system, filtering germs that enter the body through the nose and mouth. Adenoids are mostly only present in children; as your body develops and your immune system gets stronger, your body no longer needs the protection adenoids provide. They reach their maximum size around age five and then begin to shrink, disappearing entirely by adulthood.
Why Are My Child’s Adenoids Swollen?
Swollen adenoids are common in children. Since adenoids are a critical part of the immune system and are located in the nose and throat, where most germs enter the body, they come in contact with a lot of germs and may swell in response. Most commonly, adenoids will swell in response to:
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection
- Upper respiratory infection
- Allergies
- Nosebleeds
Many times, your child’s adenoids may swell, and you don’t even notice. Other times, they may swell in response to an infection and then remain enlarged even after the infection has subsided.
What Are Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids?
Enlarged adenoids don’t cause symptoms themselves, but the swelling can cause some ripple effects. If the adenoids swell to the extent that they block the nasal passage, your child may experience a blocked nose and breathe through their mouth as a result, which can in turn cause bad breath; loud breathing; a dry mouth; dry, cracked lips; a sore throat; snoring; and consistent congestion.
How Are Enlarged Adenoids Treated?
Enlarged adenoids are treated by addressing the underlying condition. Once that is treated, the swelling will usually go down. This could mean antibiotics to fight off an infection or antihistamines to subdue allergy symptoms, for example.
What Is Adenoiditis?
When the adenoids themselves become infected, it’s known as adenoiditis. This usually occurs when a viral infection leaves the body vulnerable to a bacterial infection, which then inflames the adenoids.
How Is Adenoiditis Treated?
If adenoiditis is not going away even with treatment, your child may need surgery. Much like a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy will remove the adenoids. This may be necessary if symptoms are especially severe or persistent, if adenoiditis is long-lasting or frequently recurring or if enlarged adenoids block the airways entirely. Call Blue Ridge ENT if you have any questions about treatment.