Adenoids, Tonsils Pharyngeal (Nasopharyngeal Tonsil)

Adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils (Nasopharyngeal Tonsil) are an unpaired accumulation of lymphoid tissue in the area of ​​the vault and posterior wall of the pharynx. Adenoids play an important role in the immune system, participating in the formation of the immune response to respiratory tract infections.

However, with excessive enlargement of the adenoids (adenoid hypertrophy), adenoiditis can develop - inflammation of the adenoid tissue. Adenoid hypertrophy is more often observed in children and can lead to the following complications:

1. Difficulty in nasal breathing, snoring at night - due to obstruction of the nasopharynx by enlarged adenoids.

2. Hearing impairment due to dysfunction of the auditory tubes - with swelling and inflammation of the adenoids, ventilation and drainage of the auditory tubes are impaired.

3. Speech disorders - hypertrophy of the adenoids interferes with the normal resonance of sounds in the nasal cavity and mouth.

4. Chronic adenoiditis can lead to the development of chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, and otitis media.

Thus, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of adenoid hypertrophy in children are extremely important for the prevention of complications and disturbances in the normal growth and development of the child.

Adenoids, also called pharyngeal tonsils or nasopharyngeal tonsils, are an unpaired collection of lymphoid tissue located in the vault and posterior wall of the pharynx. These structures are part of the immune system and play an important role in protecting the body from infections, especially in childhood.

Adenoid hypertrophy can occur in children and in some cases in adults. At the same time, the adenoids increase in size, which can lead to some unpleasant symptoms and health problems. One of the main symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy is difficulty breathing through the nose. Enlarged adenoids can block the nasal passages and create an obstruction to the normal passage of air. As a result, patients may suffer from persistent nasal congestion, sleep apnea (intermittent breathing during sleep), and increased mouth breathing.

Another common complication of adenoid hypertrophy is obstruction of the Eustachian (auditory) tubes. These tubes connect the back of the nasopharynx to the middle ear and play an important role in maintaining normal pressure in the ear. When the adenoids are enlarged, they can become blocked, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear and the development of otitis media. Etitis media is characterized by suppuration and inflammation of the middle ear, which can cause pain, discomfort and hearing loss.

Diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy involves a physical examination of the nasopharynx and pharynx by a doctor, as well as additional tests such as x-rays or computed tomography. Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the degree of hypertrophy is determined, various treatment methods may be recommended.

In some cases, if the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy are not severe or have little impact on the patient's health, observation and conservative treatment may be decided. However, if adenoid hypertrophy causes significant symptoms and problems, then surgical intervention - an adenectomy - may be required. Adenectomy is a procedure to remove the adenoids to improve breathing, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications associated with adenoid hypertrophy.

In general, adenoid hypertrophy is a common condition, especially in children. Possible causes of enlarged adenoids include chronic upper respiratory tract infections, allergic reactions, genetic factors and inflammatory processes. The risk of developing adenoid hypertrophy may also be associated with smoking during pregnancy, low levels of physical activity and poor environmental conditions.

It is important to note that adenoid hypertrophy can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, especially in children. Difficulty breathing, persistent nasal congestion, and other symptoms can lead to decreased activity, sleep disturbances, and problems concentrating and learning at school.

In conclusion, adenoids are an important part of the immune system and perform a protective function in the body. Adenoid hypertrophy can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as difficulty breathing through the nose and obstruction of the Eustachian tubes, which can lead to otitis media. Diagnosis and treatment of adenoid hypertrophy should be done under the guidance of a qualified physician, and in some cases, surgery may be required to remove the adenoids. Early seeking medical help and proper treatment can help improve the quality of life of patients suffering from adenoid hypertrophy.

1. What are adenoids?

Adenoids are unpaired accumulations of lymphoid (immune) tissue in the folds of the pharyngeal tube (vault). They are located in the back of the throat (back of the throat) at the level of the entrance to the nose. In children under 4-5 years of age, the adenoids may be enlarged (hypertrophied), which is a normal physiological reaction of the body to various factors, including an upper respiratory tract infection or allergy.

2. What functions do adenoids perform?

The main function of adenoids is to protect the body from infections and bacteria. They are part of the immune system and serve as a gateway for viruses and pathogens that enter the body through the nose.

In addition, adenoids perform the following functions: * Participate in the formation of the sound timbre of the voice. As part of the speech apparatus, the adenoids contribute to the resonance of sounds in the vocal tract. * Supports the immune system. Adenoids contain a large number of lymphocytes - cells of the immune system that are responsible for destroying “foreign agents” in the body.

3. Symptoms of enlarged adenoids

Enlarged (hypertrophic) adenoids can manifest as the following symptoms:

* Difficulty breathing through the nose: When the adenoids are oversized, they can prevent air from flowing freely through the nose, leading to breathing problems. * Snoring and sleepiness: Enlarged adenoids can cause breathing disorder during sleep, which manifests itself in the child's loud snoring. As a result, the patient usually experiences a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness and fatigue. * Infrequent mouth and mouth breathing: In some cases, enlarged adenoids create an obstacle to mouth breathing, which can lead to frequent breathing pauses. This may cause the child to yawn or even hold their breath. * Recurrent otitis: Hypertrophy of the adenoid glands can also lead to exudative otitis (excessive discharge of fluid from the ear) and hearing impairment. * Pale skin and fatigue: