The adenoids are a mass of soft tissue behind the nasal cavity.
Like lymph nodes, adenoids are part of the immune system and are made of the same type of tissue (lymphoid tissue).
White blood cells circulate through the adenoids and other lymphoid tissue, reacting to foreign invaders in the body.
We all have adenoids at birth and in childhood, but as we head into adolescence they start to shrink.
Adenoids Conditions
Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids, often from infection. Bacteria or viruses may cause adenoiditis.
Enlarged adenoids: In children, the adenoids can get larger because of infection or reasons that are unclear. Very large adenoids can interfere with breathing or with the flow of mucus.
Obstructive sleep apnea: While sleeping, enlarged adenoids may intermittently block the flow of air through the throat. This can cause a person to stop breathing for a few seconds (known as apnea) and can occur several times each night.
Ear infections (otitis): While sleeping, enlarged adenoids may intermittently block the flow of air through the throat. This can cause a person to stop breathing for a few seconds (known as apnea) and can occur several times each night.
Causes
Adenoiditis can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as infection with the bacteria Streptococcus. It can also be caused by a number of viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.
