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Adenoids are pathologically enlarged nasopharyngeal tonsils. The name tells us that it is in the nasopharynx. Adenoids consist of lymphoid tissue that protects against infection from the nasal cavity to the pharynx and larynx. Most often, this disease develops in children aged 3 to 7 years.
Adenoids cannot be seen with the naked eye and in order to see them, the ENT doctor uses a special mirror. Many people confuse adenoids and adenoiditis. Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the adenoids, which occurs against the background of the growth of the adenoids. The reason for the growth of adenoids are infectious diseases of the nasal mucosa, respiratory infections, allergic reactions.
Symptoms of adenoiditis
The most characteristic symptoms of adenoids are:
- Breathing through the mouth, open nose, especially during sleep;
- Weak breathing through the nose in the absence of a runny nose;
- Frequent lingering runny nose, which is difficult to cure.
Adenoids can lead to various complications, such as:
- Hearing loss – enlarged adenoids block the mouth of the Eustachian tube, as a result of which the passage of air is difficult. The eardrum becomes less mobile, which is reflected in the acuity of hearing;
- Frequent colds – overgrown adenoids prevent the outflow of mucus from the nasal cavity. And mucus stagnation is a good environment for the reproduction of bacteria and viruses, and the development of inflammatory reactions;
- Adenoiditis – inflammation of the adenoids. As a rule, a large number of bacteria and viruses live in overgrown adenoids, which cause chronic inflammation of the tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil. In this case, the adenoids are a chronic source of infection from which microbes spread throughout the body;
- Speech disorder – with adenoids, the growth of the facial bones of the skull is disturbed. The child begins to nasalize, not pronouncing some letters correctly. It is important to pay attention to such changes in time and immediately consult a doctor;
- Decreased performance at school – if nasal breathing is disturbed, oxygen delivery to the brain is reduced by about 18%. The lack of oxygen has a negative impact on the thought processes, the intellectual development of the child;
- Frequent otitis – overgrown adenoids block the mouths of the Eustachian tubes, and this creates good conditions for the habitat of bacteria and viruses, and the development of otitis media;
- Respiratory diseases – a chronic focus of infection in the nasopharynx contributes to the spread of infection to the underlying respiratory tract. As a result, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis develop.
Degrees of adenoids in children
There are three degrees of growth of adenoids.
With adenoids of the 1st degree, nasal breathing is free during the day, and difficult at night during sleep. Adenoids of the 2nd degree are characterized by difficulty breathing through the nose both in the daytime and at night. You may snore during sleep. Babies usually sleep with their mouths open. With adenoids of the 3rd degree – breathing through the nose is completely impaired, the child can only breathe through the mouth. This is the most severe degree of adenoids.
Treatment of adenoids in children
There are surgical and non-surgical treatments for adenoids. With adenoids of the 1st degree, the operation is not indicated. In this case, it is possible to treat with vasoconstrictor nasal drops, rinse the nasal cavity with saline solutions (Aquamaris), it is possible to use homeopathic remedies and nasal rinses based on herbal preparations – St. John’s wort, pharmacy chamomile.
Is an operation required
Surgical removal of adenoids is not indicated for all children. The decision on its necessity is made with adenoids of the II and III degrees, that is, with a significant proliferation of tonsil tissue, as well as with the development of complications – otitis media, hearing loss, frequent colds, speech disorders and nasal breathing disorders.
The use of thuja oil
In addition to washing the nose with adenoids, inhalations based on thuja oils have shown their effectiveness. They eliminate swelling and facilitate breathing through the nose, promote tissue regeneration and reduce adenoids in size.
Thuja oil for the treatment of adenoids can be used in the form of an essential oil or a homeopathic remedy. For the treatment of adenoids, it is necessary to drip into the nose (2 drops in each nostril) 15% solution of homeopathic thuja oil, essential oil must be diluted in a ratio of 1: 7 (undiluted essential oil cannot be dripped into the nose, because it contains toxins).
Tui essential oil can be used for steam inhalation, in massage therapy. But it must be diluted with another oil.
The use of thuja oil effectively helps to reduce the likelihood of surgical removal of adenoids.
Is it possible to treat at home
Non-surgical treatment of adenoids is performed at home, but with strict adherence to the recommendations of the doctor – ENT.
Surgical removal of adenoids is performed strictly in a hospital setting. The operation is performed on children older than 5 years, when there is a threat of proliferation of adenoid tissue. After the operation, it is necessary to follow a diet for 10 days – do not eat hot, rough, solid food. Within one month after the operation, physical activity should be excluded.
disease prevention
Prevention of adenoids consists in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, strengthening immunity, physical activity and good nutrition. It is necessary to avoid contact of the child with dust and household chemicals.