Adenoids are part of the immune system, similar to tonsils. They help protect the body by trapping harmful bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. When adenoids become enlarged, it can cause breathing problems. But do enlarged adenoids require surgery?

Causes of Enlarged Adenoids (Adenoiditis)

Adenoids are glands located in the upper part of the respiratory tract, just behind the nasal cavity. They are part of the immune system and work to trap germs that enter the body through the mouth and nose. Adenoids also produce antibodies to help fight these germs.

In infants, toddlers, and young children, adenoids play a crucial role in the immune system. They continue to grow until the age of 3-5 years and then begin to shrink around 7-8 years old. By the time a person reaches adulthood and their immune system is more developed, the adenoids typically disappear altogether.

Enlarged adenoids are a common health issue in children. Some of the main causes of enlarged adenoids include:

• The body fighting an infection
• Congenital (present from birth)
• Allergies

When adenoids become enlarged due to an infection, they usually return to normal once the infection has healed. However, in some cases, the enlargement persists even after the infection has gone. In rare cases, adults can also experience enlarged adenoids, often due to chronic infections or allergies.

Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids

Most children with enlarged adenoids do not show any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• A feeling of fullness in the ears
• Difficulty breathing through the nose, leading to mouth breathing
• Trouble sleeping
• Snoring
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Fluid buildup in the middle ear
• Chapped lips and dry mouth due to mouth breathing

Treatment for Enlarged Adenoids

In many cases, enlarged adenoids (adenoiditis) can heal on their own without the need for specific treatment. The type of treatment needed depends on the child's age and the extent of the enlargement.

Some treatments for enlarged adenoids include:

Medications

If the enlargement is due to a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If a viral infection is the cause, antivirals or other medications may be recommended to relieve symptoms.

Surgery

If medications do not resolve the issue and the child continues to have breathing problems, surgery may be necessary. This procedure, called adenoidectomy, involves removing the adenoids.

The doctor may recommend an adenoidectomy if the child experiences:

• Frequent adenoid infections that lead to sinus or ear infections
• Infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Breathing problems that disrupt sleep

Adenoidectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the adenoids are removed through the mouth. It is generally a safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. Common side effects may include mild pain, bleeding, discomfort, sore throat, runny nose, and noisy breathing.

The recovery period after adenoidectomy usually takes about a week. During recovery, children are advised to rest, avoid heavy activities, eat soft foods, and avoid acidic foods.

In most cases, mild adenoid enlargement does not require surgery. However, if the enlargement is causing significant problems, it’s important to consult with a doctor. If your child’s health is affected by enlarged adenoids, you should seek medical advice or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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