Adenoids!! To remove or not?

Adenoids glands help protect the body from viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes the adenoid glands become swollen or enlarged due to an infection or allergies. This can cause breathing problems, ear infections, or other complications.

Adenoids glands are generally helpful but they could lead to breathing problem if infected

What is this?

Adenoids are a patch of tissue that is high up in the throat, just behind the nose. Adenoids may look like small jumps of tissue, but these glands serve an important purpose in Young children. They are part of the immune system and help protect the body from viruses and bacteria. however, removing them has not been shown to affect a child’s ability to fight infections.

Adenoid begins to shrink around age 5 to 7 in children and will be almost completely gone by the teenage years. Adenoids are not visible in most adults.

What are the reasons for an Adenoidectomy?

Sometimes, a child’s adenoid may become swollen or enlarged due to an infection or allergies. Some children may also be born with abnormally large adenoids.

When a child’s adenoid become enlarged, they can cause problems by partially blocking his or her airway. This can result in difficulty breathing through the nose that can lead to snoring or more serious conditions such as sleep apnea (stopping breathing) at night chronic (long-term) nasal drainage can else be seen.

Adenoids is a common disease among kids in India

Enlarged adenoid can also contribute to chronic ear infections and lead to fluid in the ear that can cause temporary hearing loss.

Adenoid problems can also contribute to chronic tonsillitis (swelling of the tonsils, which are soft tissues located near the back of the mouth)

How does a doctor determine if a child needs an Adenoidectomy?

If you suspect your child may have enlarged adenoids because of problems with their breathing or ears, you should Consult an ENT specialist. After taking a health history, he or she will examine your child’s adenoids using a small light and reflecting device.

Based on your child symptoms, if his or her adenoids appear enlarged, your doctor may recommend surgery of adenoid.

Dr. Mamatarani Rout

ENT Consultant. (Otolaryngologist)