These glands help trap germs that enter the nose or the mouth, in an effort to prevent infections. The size of the adenoids increases until a child is 6 years old , then they slowly shrink. The adenoids usually disappear by the time a person is Enlarged adenoids are rare in adults.
Most of the time, the adenoids become enlarged when the body is trying to fight off infection. They can remain enlarged, even after the infection is gone. Even less common is enlarged adenoids resulting from a cancerous tumor. People cannot see the adenoids by looking into the mouth, so it is not possible to tell if they are enlarged by sight. A doctor can look at the adenoids using a special mirror or lighted camera on the end of a flexible tube.
A doctor may refer the child to a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders. This type of doctor can be called an ENT specialist. The doctor may use a tool that consists of a camera on the end of a lighted scope to look at the adenoids.
They insert the scope through the nose. If the child has symptoms of a sleep disturbance, the doctor might recommend a sleep study. This can help indicate whether the symptoms relate to difficulties breathing during sleep or sleep apnea, which sometimes occurs with enlarged adenoids. Because the adenoids usually shrink by adulthood, children are the most susceptible to this enlargement. In some people, enlarged adenoids do not require treatment, and the doctor will recommend a watchful waiting approach.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics when a bacterial infection is responsible for the enlargement. Eating healthful foods, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water can keep the immune system functioning well and help reduce the risk of enlarged adenoids.
Also, good hygiene can help prevent infections. An adenoidectomy is a simple surgery that is generally low-risk. The doctor may decide that surgery to remove the adenoids is appropriate if the child experiences:. If the child has been experiencing problems with their tonsils, the doctor may decide to remove the tonsils at the same time. Many of these symptoms can be transient; however, persistence of the aforementioned may necessitate evaluation by an Otolaryngologist or ENT specialist.
The adenoid is not visible without the aid of a fiberoptic endoscope or use of an X-ray. If the adenoids are enlarged but are not causing symptoms, no treatment is required.
However, these symptoms can also be due to a blockage of the nose due to an enlarged adenoid, which could require additional care. Skip to Content. If diagnostic testing determines that the cause of the infection is bacterial, not viral, the clinician may prescribe antibiotics. Often, both the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time, but sometimes only one or the other is removed.
For Patients. Contact the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement Fax
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