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As a child grows then so do the adenoids, adenoids
are tonsil like glands which are located at the back of the nose, they
are thought to help with protection against infection but children sometimes
have to have them removed and can live perfectly normal without them.
When the child has reached roughly their 10th or 12th year, the adenoids
are fully-grown and from then on, the adenoid tissue will start to shrink
of their own accord. It is during this stage that the adenoids usually
start to cause problems.
What problems can adenoids cause?
Breathing through the mouth, an increase in snoring and nasal congestion
are the most common problems associated with problems of the adenoids
and is usually due to the adenoids becoming enlarged. In the most severe
of cases, the adenoid can totally block the nasal passage and this can
then cause severe sleep problems.
In the very worse case scenario, this can cause sleep apnea and cause
failure to grow, thankfully in the majority of cases the main symptoms
and signs of problems with the adenoids are nothing more than a chronically
stuffy nose all the time which causes the child to breathe through their
mouth.
How are adenoid problems diagnosed?
Symptoms are the best clue in diagnosis problems with the adenoids apart
from this the best and easiest way to make a diagnosis are an x-ray, this
will be done by taking the x-ray in the region of the neck as the adenoids
are completely hidden from view. Two very important details can be gained
from this, one whether or not the adenoids are enlarged and two, the degree
of which they are blocking the nasal passages.
What is the treatment for enlarger adenoids?
The only course of treatment for enlarged adenoids is by surgically removing
them, the Doctor will take into account several factors before suggesting
this course such as the effect they are having on your child, such as
the amount of disruption they are causing in your child life. If the disruption
to your child's health and life are minimal then our Doctor may suggest
that you wait to see if they shrink on their own accord.
Is there any link between enlarged adenoids and ear infections?
The links if any between enlarged adenoids and recurrent ear infections
is one that Doctors have argued over for a long time; Doctors know that
chronic nasal blockage can contribute to ear infections.
However there are no studies to suggest that removing the adenoids in
all children who suffer from recurrent ear infections is the right thing
to do and will prevent ear infections. Speaking in practical terms most
Doctors do agree that removal of the adenoids in children who are prone
to constant ear infections may help to reduce the number of ear infections.
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