Conditions We Treat: Adenoiditis
Adenoid glands help make up children’s immune systems but can become problematic when infected. Learn more about adenoiditis and how the expert team at ENT, Sinus & Hearing Care Center can help.
What Is Adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis is a condition in which small lumps of tissue called “adenoids” — located in the throat at the back of the nose — become inflamed from infection. It’s a condition that mostly affects children, whose adenoids start out as larger at birth but shrink and may disappear by teenhood. The glands take time to become smaller, making them more susceptible to bacterial or viral infection.
Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, which helps store white blood cells and other antibodies that destroy potentially harmful foreign substances in the body. Once adenoids become inflamed, however, they may not function correctly.
What Are the Symptoms of Adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis will usually start as swelling within the tissue. The swelling can restrict the airways of the child, making it hard for them to breathe through their nose.
Additional symptoms experienced with this condition can include:
- Abnormally dry throat
- Breathing through the mouth
- Snoring when sleeping
- Runny nose that produces green mucous
- Sore throat
How Is the Diagnosis Established?
Our ear, nose, and throat expert, Dr. Daniel S. Samadi, can examine your child to confirm whether they have adenoiditis. If infection is confirmed, he will conduct further tests to determine the precise location of the infection.
Some examples of these tests include:
- Examination of the throat using a swab to get bacterial samples
- Blood tests to identify organisms present in the blood
- X-rays of the adenoids to measure their size and the severity of the infection
How Is Adenoiditis Treated?
Typical treatment involves an antibiotic prescription to cure the infection. It’s an effective approach for most cases. With treatment, breathing and swallowing will also gradually improve.
Severe cases may require an adenoidectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the adenoids. This is done only in cases where the child’s condition doesn’t improve with antibiotics; infections are recurring; or the problem exists in conjunction with another health issue such as enlarged tonsils, a tumor, or cancer.
The doctor will explain all potential treatment options and work closely with you to determine the best solution for your child.
Do you suspect your child has adenoiditis? If they’re exhibiting any symptoms, it’s important to seek professional medical attention. Our highly trained team is dedicated to your child’s optimal health, so don’t wait. Contact ENT, Sinus & Hearing Care Center to schedule a consultation today.