Adenoid Enlargements

Adenoid enlargement is a hypertrophy (enlargement) of the pharyngeal tonsil, which is usually located at the entrance to the throat, and is responsible for local immunity. However, an overly enlarged and chronically inflamed pharyngeal tonsil can lead to serious complications such as sleep apnea and immune system dysfunction. This is why the presence of adenoiditis requires proper medical monitoring and treatment.

1. Causes of adenoiditis Predisposing factors for enlargement and inflammation of tonsil tissue are infections of the body (ARVI, influenza, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis), allergic reactions (hay fever), stress, taking certain medications, changes in microclimate and other external influences. Typically, adenoids enlarge in children under seven years of age and shrink slightly as they grow and mature. Children aged seven to ten years are more susceptible to adenoid disease than adults. This condition is associated with a weakened immune system and its lower resistance to infections. 2. Symptoms of adenoid The pharyngeal tonsil, when enlarged, begins to put pressure on the walls of the throat and causes coughing, increased salivation, headache, snoring during sleep, breathing problems (especially when walking and running), a feeling of nasal congestion or runny nose, slight swelling in the throat area. In addition, a chronic adenoid leads to the development of infection, which can cause problems with the nervous system and difficulty breathing. Chronic adenoid is especially dangerous for children, as it can lead to hypoxia, which means developmental delay and disruption of the child’s physical and mental development. 3. Diagnosis and treatment of adenoids Children with adenoids must be examined by an otolaryngologist or pediatrician. To do this, it is necessary to carefully study the patient’s complaints, conduct auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) and percussion (tapping) of the chest, throat and lungs, do an endoscopic examination of the throat, and, if necessary, x-ray of the lungs. It is necessary to treat adenoiditis under the supervision of a doctor, since success depends on the quality selection of the dose and combination of drugs. Complex treatment includes antibiotics, antiviral drugs and various means of local therapy (bandages, irrigation with antiseptic solutions, rinsing the nasopharynx, inhalations, droppers, homeopathy). 4. Prevention of adenoids in adults General recommendations for preventive purposes boil down to preventing the development of problems with adenoids and creating optimal conditions for people to live a full life. Such recommendations include: vitamin therapy, immunostimulating procedures (for example