Adenoids & its conditions
- 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.
What are the symptoms of enlarged adenoids?
What are the symptoms of enlarged adenoids?
- blocked,stuffy nose
- ear problems
- problems sleeping
- snoring
- sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
- swollen glands in the neck
- problems breathing through the nose
- “glue ear,” or otitis media with effusion (fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can cause hearing problems)
- cracked lips and dry mouth (from breathing problems)
- sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
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