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Definition

Enlarged adenoids refers to swollen lymphatic tissue that is found in the airway between your nose and the back of your throat. The tissue is similar to the tonsils.

Alternative Names

Adenoids - enlarged

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Enlargement of the adenoids may occur naturally (beginning when the baby grows in the womb), or it may be caused by long-term inflammation. The adenoids normally shrink as children reach adolescence.

Symptoms
  • Bad breath
  • Cracked lips
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth breathing (mostly at night)
  • Mouth open during day (more severe obstruction)
  • Persistent runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Restlessness while sleeping
  • Snoring
Signs and tests

The adenoids cannot be seen by looking in the mouth directly, but can be seen with a special mirror or using a flexible endoscope through the nose.

Tests may include:

  • X-ray (side view of the throat)
  • Sleep apnea studies (severe cases only)
Treatment

Antibiotics may be used to treat tonsil, adenoid, and sinus infections when they occur.

Surgery to remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy) may relieve symptoms or prevent complications in those with frequent ear or sinus infections or fluid behind the ears. It may also be done when ear tubes have not successfully reduced infections.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery is expected.

ComplicationsCalling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child has difficulty breathing through the nose or other symptoms of enlarged adenoids.

Prevention

Treating throat infections early may prevent the adenoids from becoming enlarged from long-term infection and inflammation. Removing the adenoids prevents long-term airway blockage.

References

Wetmore RF. Tonsils and adenoids. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 380.

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Related Questions

Can teeth grinding occur when a child has enlarged adenoids and tonsils?

Teeth grinding in children has nothing to do with having enlarged adenoids and tonsils. If a child is grinding their teeth, it is simply a bad habit.


Does adenoids affect your speech?

Yes, enlarged adenoids can lead to a nasal quality in speech, as they can obstruct the airway and affect the sound resonance. In some cases, adenoids can also cause speech difficulties such as nasal congestion or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Treatment for enlarged adenoids may help improve speech in these cases.


Do enlarged adenoids cause bad breath and blocked noses?

yes


What starts adalt enlarged adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids in adults can start due to chronic infections, allergies, or irritants that lead to inflammation of the adenoid tissue. Conditions such as sinusitis or respiratory infections may contribute to their enlargement over time. Additionally, factors like smoking or exposure to pollutants can exacerbate this condition. Unlike in children, enlarged adenoids in adults are less common but can still cause issues like nasal obstruction or sleep apnea.


What is the function of the adenoids?

Normally the adenoids, like the palatine tonsils located on either side of the throat, help prevent infection in the surrounding tissues. However, when they become enlarged they interfere with normal breathing and sometimes with hearing. When severely enlarged, adenoids can affect normal dental development, resulting in an alteration of facial expression. Infection of the adenoids is common, the symptoms resembling those of tonsillitis, with which it is frequently associated. Surgical removal of the adenoids is advisable when enlargement and repeated infection interfere with development and health.Source: Answers.com


What the function of the adenoids?

Normally the adenoids, like the palatine tonsils located on either side of the throat, help prevent infection in the surrounding tissues. However, when they become enlarged they interfere with normal breathing and sometimes with hearing. When severely enlarged, adenoids can affect normal dental development, resulting in an alteration of facial expression. Infection of the adenoids is common, the symptoms resembling those of tonsillitis, with which it is frequently associated. Surgical removal of the adenoids is advisable when enlargement and repeated infection interfere with development and health.Source: Answers.com


What is adenotonsillitis?

"Adeno" refers to the adenoids, and "adenoidosis" is inflamation of the adenoids (either of two abnormally enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx that usually obstruct the nasal and ear passages). So I believe "adenotonisillitis" would be tonsillitis with the adenoids infected, too, which can be very painful.


What are some reasons for an adenoidectomy?

alteration of facial growth because of enlarged adenoids, upper airway obstruction, development of an irregular bite, difficult speech or swallowing


Can adults have adenoids problems?

Yes, adults can experience adenoid problems, although it is less common than in children. Adenoids can become enlarged or infected, leading to issues such as nasal obstruction, sinus infections, and sleep apnea. In adults, these problems can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, and treatment options may include medications or surgical removal of the adenoids if necessary. However, since adenoids typically shrink after childhood, significant issues in adults are relatively rare.


Do children still have their adenoids taken out today?

Yes, adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) is still a common procedure performed on children today, although it is less common than in the past. Adenoidectomy may be recommended if the adenoids are enlarged and causing breathing or recurrent infection issues that do not respond to other treatments.


Can a dog have adenoids?

A dog does have adenoids. When the adenoids in dogs become a problem; such as snoring and chronic throat infections, the adenoids can be removed.


What has the author John Kynaston written?

John Kynaston has written: 'Adenoids and enlarged tonsils curable without operation' -- subject(s): Adenoids, Adenoidectomy, Tonsils, Tonsillitis, Tonsillectomy 'The case of Lieut. John Kynaston, late of Col. Newton's Regiment of Dragoons, as far as it concerns the Board of General Officers; ..'