RAYUDU ENT HOSPITAL

Adenoids

Adenoids are lymphatic tissues located in the throat, similar to tonsils, but are positioned higher up behind the nose in the nasopharynx area. Because of their location, they are not visible through the mouth. When the adenoids become infected, they can swell, leading to difficulty with nasal breathing.

Causes of Adenotonsillitis

Adenotonsillitis is a condition where both the adenoids and tonsils become infected and inflamed, causing pain and discomfort.

Symptoms

The most common signs of an adenoid infection include:

Breathing through the mouth, particularly in children, which can lead to malocclusion (misalignment of teeth).
Unusual breathing sounds during the day and snoring at night.
A nasal-sounding voice.
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids that block the airways, which can disrupt sleep and lead to sleep apnea.
Additional symptoms may include:

Restless sleep with frequent awakenings.
Sudden mood changes.
Bedwetting.
Nightmares.
Excessive daytime sleepiness.
In some cases, heart-related issues.

Chronic enlargement of the adenoids can contribute to sinusitis and persistent ear infections, often due to improper ventilation of the Eustachian tube.

Precautions & Treatments

Due to their location, examining the adenoids directly can be difficult. An ENT specialist may recommend an X-ray of the nasopharynx to assess the size of the adenoids and the degree of airway obstruction.

Treatment options for enlarged adenoids include:

If the adenoids are chronically infected, removal may be necessary.
Adenoidectomy can be performed using traditional cold instruments, where the surgeon manually ensures the adenoids are fully removed.
In some cases, more advanced techniques, such as microshaver systems or coblation, are used. These techniques are minimally invasive and utilize endoscopy, resulting in a nearly bloodless procedure.