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Adenoids are soft tissue in the nasal passages that help prevent infections. Adenoid hypertrophy, when they become inflamed and enlarged, can cause sinusitis, ear infections, and breathing difficulties. Treatment options include antibiotics, decongestants, and adenoidectomy.
The adenoids are sections of soft tissue found in the back of the nasal passages where they meet the pharynx. Like the tonsils, the adenoids help prevent harmful bacteria and airborne pathogens from entering the airways and causing infections. When the adenoids themselves become infected, they become inflamed and enlarged in a condition known as adenoid hypertrophy. Adults and children suffering from multiple sinus infections, chronic snoring, and worsening breathing problems should be evaluated by doctors to check for adenoid hypertrophy and discuss treatment options.
Adenoid hypertrophy is a natural part of early airway development. The adenoids continue to grow from birth until the age of seven and then gradually begin to shrink. Most young children experience no symptoms during their natural stages of growth and contraction. Recurrence of staph, strep, or Epstein-Barr infections at any age, however, can cause inflammation and swelling of the adenoids leading to hypertrophy.
Small pockets called crypts develop in the adenoids when they become damaged, which act as reservoirs for pathogens. As the adenoids continue to enlarge and bacteria or viruses accumulate in the crypts, chronic sinusitis and recurring inner ear infections become common. People typically experience frequent problems with nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and ear pain. Narrowed nasal airways can lead to loud snoring and possibly sleep apnea. Without treatment, swelling of the adenoids can become severe enough to cause severe breathing difficulties.
A primary care doctor or pediatrician can check for signs of the disorder by using a specialized mirror device to look at the tissue. Radiographs of the neck may be taken to evaluate the degree of obstruction of the pharynx. Your doctor might also take a scraping of tissue from your throat or adenoids to check for specific bacteria or viruses.
After confirming a diagnosis, your doctor can determine the best course of treatment. Antibiotics and decongestants are usually prescribed to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and ear infections. If your adenoids continue to cause problems despite taking medications, your doctor may consider a surgical procedure called an adenoidectomy. Performed by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, an adenoidectomy involves removing the entire mass of tissue with a scalpel or a cauterizing laser.
Since adenoid hypertrophy is often accompanied by swelling of the tonsils, a tonsillectomy may also be performed. After surgery, a patient usually needs to take antibiotics for two to four weeks to promote rapid tissue healing. Most children and adults who have their adenoids and tonsils removed enjoy quick and complete recoveries.
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