Adenoids in children are lymphatic tissues located at the back of the nose and throat (nasal passage). They are a part of the immune system and protect the body from the harmful pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that a child may inhale or swallow with air, food, and water. The main responsibility of the adenoids is to detect different germs and trigger an immune response (1). Enlarged adenoids are adenoids that swell due to an infection. However, the swelling can also be caused by other reasons that may be unclear. When the adenoids drastically increase in size, they may interfere with the child’s breathing or flow of mucus, leading to complications. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Read on as we explain more about enlarged adenoids and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Are Adenoids And Tonsils The Same?
Adenoids, also called pharyngeal tonsils, are one of the four sets of tonsils, which further include palatine tonsils, tubular tonsils, and lingual tonsils (2). All of these belong to the body’s lymphatic system and serve as the immune system’s first line of defense against infections. Adenoids are not easily visible through your mouth (3).
What Are Enlarged Adenoids?
Swollen and inflamed adenoids are known as enlarged adenoids. Adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy are the other terms used for enlarged adenoids (4).
Causes Of Enlarged Adenoids
Enlarged adenoids may result from chronic infection of the adenoids (adenoiditis), allergies, and pollution. Some children may have enlarged adenoids from birth. Cancerous growth can also lead to such enlargements (5). Allergic rhinitis is also associated with adenoid hypertrophy (6) (7).
Symptoms Of Enlarged Adenoids
Some of the symptoms of enlarged adenoids in children include (1) (4) (8) (9) (10):
Difficulty in breathing Difficulty in swallowing Blocked and stuffy nose Severe snoring Sleep apnea (repeated pauses in breathing during sleep) Restless sleep, bedwetting, and frequent waking up from sleep
Mouth breathing, causing dry mouth and lips Sinusitis Middle ear infection, fluid build-up or ’glue ear,’ and ear pain
Diagnosis Of Adenoiditis
Consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for the diagnosis of enlarged adenoids. The doctor will do a physical examination of the child’s ear, nose, and throat and palpate the neck along the jaw to check for any swellings. The doctor may also use an endoscope (a flexible telescope with a light and camera attached to it) to diagnose adenoiditis. An X-ray of the throat (very rarely done), along with some blood tests, might also be needed for confirmation of adenoiditis (11).
Treatment Of Enlarged Adenoids
The severity of the condition determines the treatment to be given (11) (12).
In less severe cases, the doctor may prescribe medications.
Nasal steroid sprays may also be prescribed by the doctor to reduce swelling. This is sometimes done in conjunction with an antihistamine but is case-dependent.
In cases of severe or chronic adenoid infections or recurrent sinusitis due to adenoid hypertrophy, adenoidectomy is recommended. It is a relatively simple procedure and may not pose a health risk.
Note: The removal of the adenoids is known as adenoidectomy, while the removal of the palatine tonsils is known as tonsillectomy (4).
What Happens During An Adenoidectomy?
Surgical removal of adenoids is done under general anesthesia. It is performed through the child’s open mouth and involves no cuts through the skin. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, and the child wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery room within 45 minutes or one hour after surgery. Note that the child should not eat or drink for a few hours before the surgery as advised by your treating doctor (13)
Care To Be Taken After Adenoidectomy
Making the child feel comfortable after the surgery and providing all the necessary care will help in speedy postoperative recovery. Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind.
Give the child all the prescribed medications on time.
Avoid medications that contain aspirin and ibuprofen, as these can cause bleeding (14) (13).
Keep your child well-hydrated throughout the day. Avoid carbonated drinks.
Give the child soft foods, such as soup, puddings, fresh fruit juices, popsicles, and mashed potatoes, in the initial days.
Encourage them to avoid nose blowing and vigorous spitting for the first few days after the surgery.
Discourage them from playing any contact sports for the first week following adenoidectomy.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to soothe the child’s stuffy nose.
Attend the follow-up appointment that is given after the surgery.
Recovery From Adenoidectomy
Complete recovery usually takes two to three weeks, but children can go to school and do their routine activities after a few days following adenoidectomy. Most children can eat and drink fluids normally within a few hours after the surgery, and there are no strict dietary restrictions post adenoidectomy. Some children may experience an upset stomach, a mild fever, or vomiting during the first 24 hours after surgery, and a sore throat during the initial days. Neck soreness, bad breath, and snoring might also be present in some children until three weeks after surgery (1).
When To See The Doctor Post Adenoidectomy?
Consult a doctor if you notice the following complications or conditions in your child after adenoidectomy.
If vomiting and upset stomach persists for more than a day after surgery
If the child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry and sticky lips, sunken eyes, and no urination for more than eight hours
If bleeding occurs after the first day of surgery — the presence of small spots of blood in the nose or saliva for 24 hours following the surgery is common
If your child coughs out bright red blood or blood clots
Note: Children with a history of cleft palate or neuromuscular disorders may be prone to speech abnormalities after adenoidectomy (15).
What Is The Long-Term Outlook For Swollen Adenoids?
Enlarged adenoids are common in children. If you notice any symptoms of adenoid it is, consult the doctor. It is a treatable condition, and in some cases, may resolve with simple antibiotic medications prescribed by the doctor.
Adenoidectomy is a common procedure with relatively. is best to undergo adenoidectomy after careful examination and thorough discussion with the doctor.
