Adenoid Hypertrophy
Enlargement of the ADENOIDS, structures of LYMPHOID TISSUE at the back of the NOSE. The purpose of the adenoids is to trap and destroy pathogens (disease-causing agents) in children; by ADOLESCENCE the adenoids atrophy (shrink) and in adults are not distinguishable. When the adenoids swell, they can block the nasal passage. This disrupts BREATHING and can affect the speech. The eustachian tubes open near the adenoids; swollen and infected adenoids can trap BACTERIA in the EUSTACHIAN TUBE and middle EAR. Adenoid hypertrophy is a leading cause of OTITIS media (middle ear INFECTION) in children.
Symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy include
• frequent ear infections
• MOUTH breathing
• snoring, and, when hypertrophy is severe, OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
• POSTNASAL DRIP
• bad breath (HALITOSIS)
Because the adenoids atrophy with physical maturation, doctors prefer to treat occasional infections with appropriate ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. ALLERGIC RHINITIS can also cause adenoid hypertrophy. When adenoid infections become chronic or when the swelling does not retreat, doctors may recommend adenoidectomy (surgery to remove the adenoids). Once the adenoids are removed, any related health problems go away.
Symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy include
• frequent ear infections
• MOUTH breathing
• snoring, and, when hypertrophy is severe, OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
• POSTNASAL DRIP
• bad breath (HALITOSIS)
Because the adenoids atrophy with physical maturation, doctors prefer to treat occasional infections with appropriate ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. ALLERGIC RHINITIS can also cause adenoid hypertrophy. When adenoid infections become chronic or when the swelling does not retreat, doctors may recommend adenoidectomy (surgery to remove the adenoids). Once the adenoids are removed, any related health problems go away.
