Adenoiditis Overview

The adenoids are a mass of tissue present in the mouth which along with tonsils keep one healthy by trapping germs and bacteria. The adenoids release antibodies which help the body fight infections. Unlike tonsils, adenoids cannot be easily seen as they are located behind the nose at the roof of the mouth. When there is an overload of bacteria, adenoids may get infected and may swell up. This condition is called adenoiditis and is painful and makes breathing difficult.

As you grow older, the functionality of adenoids decreases as the body has other ways of protecting itself from infections. In fact, after the age of five years, the adenoids grow smaller and virtually disappear by fifteen to eighteen years. Adenoiditis usually attacks children, though sometimes even adults also get affected.

Adenoiditis is usually a viral or bacterial infection. Sometimes a child may be born with a condition of enlarged adenoids or the adenoids may get enlarged during the formative years of a child. The symptoms vary according to the cause of the infection. The usual symptoms are a sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen glands in the neck and associated ear pain. As a result of a stuffy nose, symptoms like breathing through the mouth and snoring also arise. Difficulty in sleeping and speaking with a nasal sound are some other symptoms.

The above symptoms are an indication of the disease and physical checks by a doctor can confirm it. Detecting adenoiditis is more difficult than detecting tonsillitis, as the adenoids are not as easily visible as the tonsils. The doctor uses a mirror or a special instrument with a light to check any inflammation of the adenoids.

Adenoiditis is usually treated by antibiotics. In case antibiotics do not work or if the child suffers from frequent infections, a surgical procedure called adenoidectomy is performed to remove the adenoid gland. It is done under general anesthesia and the procedure usually takes four to five hours. The doctor makes an incision at the roof of the mouth to remove the glands.

After the procedure of removal of the glands, your child may experience a soreness of the throat, pain at the roof of the mouth and difficulty in breathing. These can be expected for the first eight to ten days. If the pain persists, a prescribed pain killer might be taken. Thick scabs will also form at the place of incision. Your child should not pick at the scabs otherwise it will take more time to heal. For the first few days, soft food and juices are advised. If traces of blood are found in the nose or mouth, a visit to the doctor is recommended.