Adenoids are small groups of lymphatic tissue, similar to lymph nodes, that are part of the immune system. They are responsible for fighting infections and protecting you from them. Adenoids are located in the transition area between the nose and throat, at the back of nasal passage and roof of the mouth.

Adenoids grow during childhood, while the immune system develops, and they decreasing in size between the ages of 6 and 7. However, in some cases, the adenoids can grow too much, a situation called adenoid hypertrophy. They can also become inflamed and infected, leading to adenoiditis.

It is important for patients to consult an ENT if they experience difficulty breathing through the nose, hearing changes, snoring and pauses in breathing when sleeping. These symptoms may prompt an evaluation of the adenoids to determine if any treatment or surgical removal is needed.

What are adenoids for?

Adenoids are needed for proper immune system functioning, and play a role in preventing and fighting infections.

Together with the tonsils, adenoids are responsible for protecting the upper respiratory tract by trapping germs and foreign invaders in the mouth

Symptoms of adenoid abnormalities

The main symptoms of adenoid abnormalities are:

Difficulty breathing through the nose
Breathing frequently through the mouth
Noisy breathing
Snoring, pauses in breathing and coughing during sleep
Speaking as if the nose were always blocked
Frequent episodes of pharyngitis, sinusitis and otitis
Hearing difficulties
Dental changes, such as misalignment of the dental arch and changes in the growth of facial bones

In addition, reduced oxygenation during sleep can lead to abnormal development inchildren, leading to symptoms like difficulty concentrating, irritability, hyperactivity, daytime sleepiness, a drop in school performance and reduced growth.

These symptoms are more common when the adenoids are enlarged or when they are inflamed or infected, which are conditions that require treatment.

How to diagnosis

Diagnosing adenoid abnormalities starts with an assessment of the person's symptoms. An ENT specialist can perform a nasal endoscopy, a nasofibroscopy, or nasofibrolaryngoscopy to further evaluate the status of your adenoids. An x-ray of the face can also be order to evaluat ethe adenoids and to check for signs of inflammation, size and obstruction.

Treatment options

Children who present with enlarged adenoids do not usually require treatment, as they can regress spontaneously between the ages of 6 and 7.

However, children with enlarged adenoids that interfere with their wellbeing, sleep or breathing, may require specific treatment or even surgical removal.

Both adult and young patients that present with symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy, inflammation or infection can be treated with antibiotics (like amoxicillin),anti-inflammatories and/or corticosteroids.

When surgery is needed

Surgical removal of the adenoids, also referred to as called adenoidectomy, is an option when treatment with medication is not effective or if patients have frequent symptoms of adenoiditis.

An adenoidectomy can be advised for the following cases:

Recurrent otitis or sinusitis;
Hearing loss;
Sleep apnea;
Nasal obstruction so severe that the patient can only breathe through the mouth.

This is a procedure performed under general anesthesia that involves the removal of the adenoids through the mouth. During this same procedure, the tonsils can also be removed, with many patients being discharged home the same day.