Adenoid is a set of lymphatic tissue, similar to lymph nodes, that is part of the body’s immune system of defense against microorganisms. There are 2 adenoid vegetations, located on each side, in the transition between the nose and throat, the region through which the breath passes and where communication with the ear begins.
Together with the tonsils, located at the bottom of the throat, they are part of Waldeyer’s lymphatic ring, responsible for protecting the region from the nasal, oral and pharyngeal cavities, which develop and develop as the immune system develops. develops, between the ages of 3 and 7, and is expected to decline in adolescence.
- However.
- In some children.
- Adenoid vegetation and tonsils can become very enlarged or persistently inflamed.
- With constant infections.
- Losing their protective capacity and causing health problems.
- Such as breathing difficulties.
- Therefore.
- The otolaryngologist may indicate the need for surgery to remove it.
When adenoid vegetation is excessively enlarged, called enlarged, or when it becomes persistently infected and inflamed, called adenoiditis, some of the symptoms caused are:
In addition, reduced oxygenation during sleep leads to changes in a child’s development, which can lead to situations such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, hyperactivity, daytime sleepiness, decreased academic performance and stunted growth.
Some of these symptoms are also common in people with sinusitis. See symptoms for sinusitis to learn how to differentiate them.
In general, when adenoid vegetation is infected, initial treatment can be done with the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, in addition to anti-inflammatory or corticosteroids, in case of inflammation from allergies. However, if adenoid vegetation often becomes inflamed and interferes with breathing, your pediatrician may recommend surgery to remove them and improve breathing quality and prevent further infections.
Surgery, called adenoidectomy, is an option when medications don’t work properly or when your child has frequent symptoms of adenoiditis. The main indications of surgery include:
It is an operation that is performed under general anesthesia, with the removal of adenoid vegetation by the mouth. In the same procedure, the tonsils can also be removed and, because it is a relatively simple surgical procedure, it is possible to return home on the same day as the procedure. Learn more about how this is done and recovery after adenoid surgery.
The removal of adenoid vegetation does not affect the immune system, as there are other mechanisms of defense of the organism that continue to act in the defense of the organism.