Enlarged Adenoids In Kids: Symptoms, Removal, And Treatment


The adenoids are lymphatic tissues located at the back of the nasal passage (top of the throat) in children. These protect the body from the harmful bacteria and viruses inhaled with air or swallowed with food and water. They act as a germ processing center, helping the body recognize different kinds of germs to fight them better (1).

After a child reaches about five years of age, the adenoids start to shrink, and by the teenage years, they are almost gone completely. The body develops other ways to fight infections, as the adenoids start to shrink.

Are Adenoids And Tonsils The Same?

Adenoids, also called pharyngeal tonsils, are one of the four sets of tonsils, which further include palatine tonsils, tubular tonsils, and lingual tonsils (2). All of these belong to the body’s lymphatic system and serve as the immune system’s first line of defense against infections. Adenoids are not easily visible through your mouth (3).

What Are Enlarged Adenoids?

Swollen and inflamed adenoids are known as enlarged adenoids. Adenoiditis and adenoid hypertrophy are the other terms used for enlarged adenoids (4).

Causes Of Enlarged Adenoids

Enlarged adenoids may result from chronic infection of the adenoids (adenoiditis), allergies, and pollution. Some children may have enlarged adenoids from birth. Cancerous growth can also lead to such enlargements (5). Allergic rhinitis is also associated with adenoid hypertrophy (6) (7).

Symptoms Of Enlarged Adenoids

Some of the symptoms of enlarged adenoids in children include (1) (4) (8) (9) (10):

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Blocked and stuffy nose
  • Severe snoring
  • Sleep apnea (repeated pauses in breathing during sleep)
  • Restless sleep, bedwetting, and frequent waking up from sleep
  • Mouth breathing, causing dry mouth and lips
  • Sinusitis
  • Middle ear infection, fluid build-up or ‘glue ear,’ and ear pain

Diagnosis Of Adenoiditis

Consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for the diagnosis of enlarged adenoids. The doctor will do a physical examination of the child’s ear, nose, and throat and palpate the neck along the jaw to check for any swellings.

The doctor may also use an endoscope (a flexible telescope with a light and camera attached to it) to diagnose adenoids. An X-ray of the throat,  along with some blood tests, might also be needed for confirmation of adenoiditis (11).

Treatment Of Enlarged Adenoids

The severity of the condition determines the treatment to be given (11) (12).

  • In less severe cases, the doctor may prescribe medications.
  • Nasal steroid sprays may also be prescribed by the doctor to reduce swelling.
  • In cases of severe or chronic adenoid infections or recurrent sinusitis due to adenoid hypertrophy, adenoidectomy is recommended. It is a relatively simple procedure and may not pose a health risk.

Note: The removal of the adenoids is known as adenoidectomy, while the removal of the palatine tonsils is known as tonsillectom (4).

What Happens During An Adenoidectomy?

Surgical removal of adenoids is done under general anesthesia. It is performed through the child’s open mouth and involves no cuts through the skin. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, and the child wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery room within 45 minutes or one hour after surgery.

Note that the child should not eat or drink three hours before the surgery when anesthesia is given (13)

Care To Be Taken After Adenoidectomy

Making the child feel comfortable after the surgery and providing all the necessary care will help in speedy postoperative recovery. Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind.

  • Give the child all the prescribed medications on time.
  • Avoid medications that contain aspirin and ibuprofen, as these can cause bleeding (14) (13).
  • Keep your child well-hydrated throughout the day. Avoid carbonated drinks.
  • Give the child soft foods, such as soup, puddings, fresh fruit juices, popsicles, and mashed potatoes, in the initial days.
  • Encourage them to avoid nose blowing and vigorous spitting for the first few days after the surgery.
  • Discourage them from playing any contact sports for the first week following adenoidectomy.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to soothe the child’s stuffy nose.
  • Get a follow-up appointment two weeks after the surgery.

Recovery From Adenoidectomy

Complete recovery usually takes two to three weeks, but children can go to school and do their routine activities after a few days following adenoidectomy. Most children can eat and drink fluids normally within a few hours after the surgery, and there are no strict dietary restrictions post adenoidectomy.

Some children may experience an upset stomach, a mild fever, or vomiting during the first 24 hours after surgery, and a sore throat during the initial days. Neck soreness, bad breath, and snoring might also be present in some children until three weeks after surgery
(1).

When To See The Doctor Post Adenoidectomy?

Consult a doctor if you notice the following complications or conditions in your child after adenoidectomy.

  • If vomiting and upset stomach persists for more than two days after surgery
  • If the child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry and sticky lips, sunken eyes, and no urination for more than eight hours
  • If bleeding occurs after the first day of surgery — the presence of small spots of blood in the nose or saliva for 24 hours following the surgery is common

Note:Children with a history of cleft palate or neuromuscular disorders may be prone to speech abnormalities after adenoidectomy (15).

What Is The Long-Term Outlook For Swollen Adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids are common in children. If you notice any symptoms of adenoid it is, consult the doctor. It is a treatable condition, and in some cases, may resolve with simple antibiotic medications prescribed by the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age can adenoids be removed?

Adenoidectomy can be done in children between one year and seven years of age. When a child reaches the age of seven, adenoids generally begin to shrink. They are considered vestigial organs (remnant organs without any purpose) in adults (16).

2. Can I stay with my child during the adenoidectomy?

No, you can’t be with your child during the surgery as the child is under general anesthesia. Once the surgery is done, and the child is moved to the recovery room, you can be with your child.

3. What foods should be avoided if you have enlarged adenoids?

Milk, eggs, and cod might worsen the condition in some cases. Dairy products should be avoided, as they increase mucus secretion in the respiratory system
(17). However, this can vary depending on your child’s condition. Speak to the doctor to know the foods to avoid post adenoidectomy.

4. Can adenoids be treated with homeopathy?

Some cases of enlarged adenoids may benefit from homeopathy treatment. However, for recurring adenoid enlargement conditions, one should get an examination done by an ENT specialist.

Adenoidectomy is a common procedure with low risks, and the removal of adenoids does not compromise the body’s line of defense against infections, as the body’s immune system has many other ways to fight infections. However, it is best to undergo adenoidectomy after careful examination and thorough discussion with the doctor.

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