“What is an adenoid?” That was my response upon hearing from my wife that our son needed to have his adenoids removed. My son was diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy and an adenoidectomy would be required. After the initial shock set in, I needed to learn everything about adenoids, adenoid hypertrophy and adenoidectomy.
The Signs Were There
The symptoms were there for a quite some time. Our son appeared to have a cold that lasted for months. He was constantly congested and had a runny nose – making it not possible to breathe through his nose. And, no matter how much he tried to blow his nose, he couldn’t clear out the mucus. Most concerning, his snoring became intolerable and I observed he had sleep apnea. Sam was not getting a decent night sleep and always looked exhausted. When the symtpoms first started, my son’s ENT specialist – who performed his myringotomy –suspected Sam had severe allergies and prescribed a three-month course of nasal steroids – with the goal of reducing swelling and mucus in the nasal passage. The steroids made no difference and the symptoms got worse.
When my wife took my son in for his ear tube follow up appointment, my wife explained the worsening symptoms and requested the doctor check his nasal passage. The doctor attempted a nasal endoscopy, but was unable to perform it because my son’s nasal passage was 100% blocked by swollen adenoids. The diagnosis was adenoid hypertrophy and surgery was recommended.
Second Opinions
We wanted to avoid surgery. I read articles that stated removal of adenoids can cause long term risks of respiratory, allergic and infectious diseases. Furthermore, I was concerned the removal of the adenoids would impact his immune system. So, we obtained opinions from two other ENT specialists and a pediatric surgeon.
The specialists, more or less, said the same thing – removing adenoids was rarely done and should happen only if the nasal passage is completely obstructed. Based on my son’s condition, all the doctors recommended surgery. They also assured me that the head and neck contain a lot of lymph nodes and those will take care of his immune system.
What Are Adenoids?
Adenoids are small, glandular tissues located at the back of the throat, located between the airway your child breathes into through their nose, and the back of your child’s throat. While they are often overlooked, adenoids play a vital role in protecting children from infections.
What Do Adenoids Do?
Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight off infections. They work alongside the tonsils and other lymphoid tissues to trap germs that enter the body through the mouth or nose. Adenoids produce antibodies to help the body recognize and fight off these germs, playing a key role in immune system development.
Adenoid Hypertrophy: When Adenoids Become a Problem
Adenoid hypertrophy occurs when the adenoids become enlarged due to frequent infections or inflammation. This condition is common in children and can lead to several health issues, including:
- Breathing Problems: Enlarged adenoids can obstruct the airways, leading to breathing difficulties, especially at night. Children with adenoid hypertrophy may snore loudly or experience sleep apnea, where breathing briefly stops during sleep.
- Ear Infections: Enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This blockage can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear, increasing the risk of ear infections and hearing problems. As I mentioned my son had the ear tubes put in when he was four.
- Sinus Infections: Adenoid hypertrophy can block the nasal passages, leading to sinus infections and congestion.
- Speech Problems: In some cases, enlarged adenoids can affect speech development, causing a nasal or muffled voice.
- Trouble breathing through the nose: Chronic mouth breathing, especially in children, can potentially affect facial development and structure over time. When someone breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially during critical developmental stages, it can lead to changes in the positioning of the teeth and the growth of the jaws. This can result in a long, narrow face, dental malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), and other facial asymmetries. It’s important to address chronic mouth breathing early to prevent these potential issues.
Treatment for Adenoid Hypertrophy
Treatment for adenoid hypertrophy depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on the child’s health. In mild cases, doctors may recommend watchful waiting, as adenoids can shrink on their own as a child grows older. By the teenage years, the adenoids are usually much smaller in size compared to infancy and early childhood.
If adenoid hypertrophy is causing significant health issues, doctors may recommend:
- Adenoidectomy: This surgical procedure involves removing the adenoids. It is a common and safe procedure that is performed under general anesthesia.
- Antibiotics: In cases where adenoid hypertrophy is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and shrink the adenoids.
- Steroid Nasal Sprays: These sprays can help reduce inflammation in the adenoids and may be used as a non-surgical treatment option.
Seek Treatment
Adenoids are a crucial part of the immune system, playing a key role in protecting children from infections. While adenoid hypertrophy can cause health issues, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help children breathe easier and stay healthier. If you suspect your child may have adenoid hypertrophy, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.