Adenoids

Adenoid glands are at the back of our mouth and protect our organism from bacteria. Due to development of inflammatory processes when infections come, the adenoids swell and become bigger.

Causes and consequences of adenoids conditions

1. Inflammations because of infection.
2. Often, adenoids may be inflamed without any obvious cause. Excessively huge adenoids prevent free breathing and mucus outflow.
3. Sleep apnea. Adenoids increased in size can block airflow when a child sleeps. It may lead to children to hold breath for a while – usually up to a few seconds. Apnea occurs 3-4 times per night or more.
4. Enlarged adenoids may act as blockators for Eustachian tubes. Liquid flows from the ears in the throat through them. If these tubes do not drain properly, other inflammation can develop in ears.

Symptoms of inflammation of the adenoid glands

1. Increased body temperature, severe chills.
2. Persistent nasal congestion.
3. Nose swells and becomes red.
4. Tonsils and lymph nodes located next to the glands become essentially bigger.
5. Nasiveness in the voice.
6. Hearing disorders.
7. Exhausting, dry cough, worse at night.

Diagnostics methods of inflammation in the adenoids

1. Endoscopy. With this diagnostic method, doctors insert a thin tube in the throat; a camera and a light source are fixed on it. Thus, physicians may see adenoids and passages.
2. CT scan.
3. MRI. Physicians obtain detailed images of adenoids using a magnetic system.

Therapy

If they are too big and may lead to any other defects, adenoidectomy is performed. It’s relatively simple and does not take long. As a rule, such procedures are carried out by ear, nose and throat surgeons. After operations, children are in the ward until the anesthesia wears off.

Sometimes medication therapy is enough, doctors prescribe antibiotics to fight inflammation caused by infections. Usually conservative treatment is prescribed for various viral infections of the ear and sinusitis.