What are adenoids and what is their function?

What are adenoids?

The adenoids are a patch of lymphatic tissue located high in the throat behind the nose. They are part of the lymphatic system and work with the tonsils to trap germs entering through the nose or mouth, contributing to the body's immune response, particularly during childhood. [1] [2]

The adenoids usually cannot be seen simply by looking inside the mouth because they are positioned higher in the throat. They generally begin to shrink after about age five and are almost completely gone in many teenagers, as the body has other ways to fight germs. [1]

When do adenoids become a problem?

Adenoids can become enlarged because of infection or because they remain large, and enlargement can narrow the airway behind the nose. A child may then breathe through the mouth instead of the nose, with symptoms such as dry mouth, bad breath, nasal congestion or a runny nose, noisy breathing, and snoring. [1] [2]

Enlargement can also affect sleep. A child may sleep restlessly or have episodes of sleep apnea, and enlarged adenoids may be associated with more frequent ear infections. Persistent loud snoring or difficulty breathing through the nose, especially when breathing pauses occur during sleep, should be medically assessed. [1] [2]

How are enlarged adenoids diagnosed?

Assessment is based on symptoms, medical history, and examination of the nose, ears, throat, and mouth. Because the adenoids cannot easily be seen through the mouth, a clinician may use a special mirror or a flexible endoscope passed through the nose. An X-ray may also be used in some situations. Describing what you observe at home helps the clinician understand the problem: mention snoring, observed breathing pauses, repeated ear infections, and effects on hearing and daily activities, rather than only saying that the child breathes through the mouth. [1] [2]

Do adenoids need to be removed?

Not every enlarged adenoid requires treatment or surgery, especially when symptoms are mild. Adenoids also tend to shrink as a child grows. Management depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause; no intervention may be necessary when there are no significant problems. In selected cases, treatment may be used to reduce swelling or address a bacterial infection when a clinician believes one is present. [1]

Adenoidectomy may be recommended when enlarged adenoids obstruct the airway, or when they are associated with recurrent or persistent problems such as certain ear infections, or when symptoms are severe or persistent. The procedure is commonly performed in children and may be done together with tonsillectomy when appropriate. [2]

For further reading: Adenoids in Children, Removal, and Postoperative Care article (Arabic article).

Medical references

• Adenoids
• Adenoid removal