Adenoids are lymphoid tissues that are located at the back of the nasal passage. These tissues trap the harmful bacteria when we breathe or swallow and keep your body healthy. They work as infection fighters for babies and children. But as children get older, adenoids will shrink and the body finds other ways to fight against infections.
Adenoids often start shrinking after the age of 5 years. But as adenoids trap bacteria and germs, they become swollen and enlarged. In some cases, allergies can also make them bigger. In most cases, they get back to normal size once the infection subsides. In some instances, they may remain enlarged and can cause problems.
What are the Problems and Signs of Enlarged Adenoids?
If your child has enlarged adenoids, then he or she may face breathing issues. Your kid may be able to breathe only through his or her mouth. Along with this, the child may also experience the following:
- A runny nose
- Cracked lips
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Loud breathing
- Restless sleep
- Ear infections
- Sleep apnea
- Sinus infections
- Bedwetting
How Are Enlarged Adenoids Diagnosed?
The diagnosis begins with a physical evaluation and the doctor will ask you about your child’s signs and symptoms. The doctor also checks the child’s nose, ears, and throat during the physical examination.
The doctor may also perform an X-ray to have a clear view of the nasal passage using a telescope. If the condition is severe, then the doctor may perform a sleep analysis. This helps to know if the child is suffering from sleep apnea. During a sleep study, the child will be sleeping overnight and will be monitored by a faculty. During sleep study, the child’s breathing and brain activities are monitored.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Adenoids
If enlarged adenoids are not causing any signs or problems, then no treatment is required. But if they are causing problems, then treatment must be required. However, the treatment is based on the severity of the condition. The doctor may prescribe medications such as nasal steroids to shrink the adenoids in case of infections.
But if enlarged adenoids continue to cause problems or medications do not help, then surgical procedure called adenoidectomy is performed to remove them. The procedure is very simple and is common in children. The procedure is performed through nose and it doesn’t take more than two hours.
Is Your Child Suffering Problems Due to Enlarged Adenoids? Meet Dr Shareef Today
If your child is having any signs of enlarged adenoids, do not panic and meet Dr Shareef today. He is a well-qualified and experienced consultant ENT surgeon in Hyderabad. He has over 25 years of experience working as an ENT specialist and has gained vast knowledge in his field. He has a special interest in pediatric ENT and can handle any kind of ENT issues in children. He is very patient, understands your concerns and offers treatment accordingly. If you wish to make an initial appointment with Dr Shareef, you can call or drop an email. The rest will be taken care of by his team.