If you do not treat adenoids in a child, there are consequences. Degrees of enlargement of adenoids

What are adenoids? These are two tonsils consisting of lymphoid tissue (like lymph nodes). Together with the palatine tonsils (tonsils), as well as the lingual and laryngeal tonsils, the adenoids form a lymphoepithelial ring, a kind of closed line of defense against infection, since their task is to maintain general and local immunity of the upper respiratory tract.

Every child has them, but 1.5-2 year olds, as a rule, do not have problems with them. Adenoids grow and reach a maximum in children 3-7 years old, when the child goes to kindergarten or school and begins to get sick often. The fact is that the lymphoid tissue of which they are composed increases during illness, so it more effectively acts as a protective barrier against the spread of infection. And if a child, without having time to recover, catches the infection again and again, the adenoids are constantly in an inflamed state, grow greatly and themselves become a chronic source of infection. As they grow, they gradually descend and block the posterior nasal openings, thereby making breathing difficult.

Doctors distinguish three degrees of growth:

1st degree- when the adenoids cover a third of the nasopharynx space. During the day, the child breathes freely, but during sleep, when the volume of the tonsils increases (due to the influx of venous blood in a horizontal position) and breathing becomes more difficult, the baby often sleeps with his mouth open. Do not neglect this symptom; if you observe it, be sure to show your child to an otolaryngologist.

2nd degree- when two thirds of the nasopharynx are closed.

3rd degree- when the nasopharynx is completely closed by the adenoids. With grade 2-3 adenoids, children often sniffle, snore as if choking, cough in their sleep and are forced to breathe through their mouths around the clock.

If they are inflamed

Symptoms that indicate enlarged tonsils:

>> breathing through the mouth; >> snoring and coughing at night; >> recurrent or constant runny nose; >> frequent colds: rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections...; >> otitis and hearing loss; >> change in the child’s behavior: due to a constant lack of oxygen, the child does not sleep well, is capricious, and often complains of headaches; >> change in appearance: pale, puffy face with an apathetic expression; open mouth; dry, cracked lips. Over time, the growth of the bones of the facial skeleton is disrupted: the incisors stick out crookedly and at random and protrude forward, like a rabbit's. The palate becomes high and narrow. All this has a bad effect on the formation of speech.

Body temperature can rise to 39 °C and higher, an unpleasant burning sensation appears in the nasopharynx, a stuffy nose, and sometimes ear pain appears. The disease lasts 3-5 days and is often complicated by ear diseases.

Very often, especially against the background of repeated acute respiratory infections, acute adenoiditis becomes chronic. The child develops signs of chronic intoxication: fatigue, headache, poor sleep, loss of appetite, a slightly elevated temperature (37.2-37.4 °C) persists for a long time, submandibular, cervical and occipital lymph nodes become enlarged. At night, such children cough heavily, as mucopurulent discharge from the nasopharynx enters their respiratory tract.

Chronic inflammation is an excellent background for changes in blood composition, allergies, kidney disease, inflammation and proliferation of the tonsils, and even purulent conjunctivitis.

Let's get treatment!

For chronically enlarged adenoids, the following are useful:

Phytotherapy- inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx will decrease, and air will become easier to pass through the nose if you breathe over the steam of a decoction of budra ivy 3-4 times a day for one to two weeks. Pour 15 g of herb with a glass of cold water for 1-2 hours, then simmer for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly. Prepare the decoction daily.

For recurrent adenoiditis, for 1-2 weeks, 3 times a day, a 5-6 year old child can rinse the nasopharynx with a special solution, provided that he does not swallow it, but spits it all out - watch this!

Dissolve 1⁄4 teaspoon of baking soda and 20 drops of a 10% alcohol solution of propolis in a glass of warm boiled water.

General strengthening agents- vitamins, ultraviolet irradiation (you can buy a quantum therapy device).

Washing- it must be carried out by a doctor or nurse using special equipment. Independent attempts to rinse a child’s nose using a yoga technique can result in acute otitis media!

Really cut it out?!

But drops, rinses and other conservative treatments help at first, when breathing is difficult only during sleep.

In more complex cases, the doctor may suggest surgery - adenectomy. Indications for it are:

• enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsils to the 3rd degree;
• endless colds;
• impaired nasal breathing and distortion of facial features;
• constant inflammation of the paranasal sinuses;
• frequently recurring bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia;
• signs of bronchial asthma;
• hearing loss;
• periodically occurring inflammation of the middle ear - otitis media;
• the appearance of a nasal voice;
• psychoneurological disorders (enuresis, convulsions).

The longer you delay the operation, the higher the risk of neurosis, convulsive seizures, obsessive cough, tendency to spasms of the glottis, and bedwetting.

In some children, the adenoids undergo reverse development, but this only happens in adolescence (around 12 years old) - you shouldn’t wait that long!

Adenoids in children are the most common diagnosis made by pediatric otolaryngologists. Most often, problems appear in children aged 2-10 years.

This disease is accompanied by an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, hypertrophy of adenoid tissue, which is a constant source of infection in the body. Timely treatment or surgery will help get rid of many problems that adenoids can cause.

What it is?

Adenoids in children are nothing more than the growth of tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil. This is an anatomical formation that is normally part of the immune system. The nasopharyngeal tonsil holds the first line of defense against various microorganisms seeking to enter the body with inhaled air.

Causes

Pathological vegetation of lymphoid tissue in children occurs for the following reasons:

• childhood infections (,);
• frequent viral diseases (flu,);
• allergic mood of the body (the baby has a reaction to foods with chemicals and excessive consumption of sweets);
• immune failure (weakness of defenses);
• artificial feeding (with breast milk the baby receives the mother’s immune cells);
• vaccinations (inadequate reaction to vaccination often provokes adenoids in the nose);
• hereditary predisposition (abnormal functioning of the lymphatic system, usually combined with endocrine pathology);
• external environment (dust, polluted air, plastic releasing toxins, household chemicals);
• pathological pregnancy/birth (viral infection of the pregnant woman in the 1st trimester, fetal hypoxia, birth asphyxia).

Depending on the size of the growth, it is customary to distinguish three degrees of adenoids in children. This division is very appropriate and important in terms of patient management tactics. In particular, large growths require the most active intervention, because they significantly worsen the quality of life and can quite soon provoke complications.

Symptoms

Problems with inflammation of the adenoids should be suspected if a child has the following symptoms:

• often has a slightly open mouth;
• breathes through the mouth instead of the nose;
• signs of adenoid in children often suffers from ear and upper airway infections;
• sleepy, lethargic and whiny (this is due to hypoxia);
• difficult to concentrate;
• complains of headaches;
• speaks vaguely;
• hears worse.

All signs of adenoiditis that occur with inflammation depend on what causes their inflammation, but include:

• pain in the larynx;
• difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion;
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
• and other hearing problems.

When the nose is blocked, breathing through it becomes a problem. Other symptoms of adenoid inflammation associated with nasal problems include breathing through the mouth, difficulty sleeping, and developing a resonating effect when speaking.

Adenoids 1st degree

First-degree adenoids cover only a third of the lumen of the nasopharynx and do not cause serious complications, which allows the child to lead an active lifestyle and breathe calmly during the day. Difficulties in the process of nasal breathing most often appear during sleep in a horizontal position, as this changes the location of the adenoids. They begin to close most of the lumen of the nasopharynx, forcing the child to breathe through the mouth.

An important sign for parents that signals the beginning of the growth of adenoids can be poor sleep in the child and frequent nightmares due to lack of oxygen. Against this background, chronic daytime sleepiness and fatigue develop. The child may also experience nasal congestion and serous discharge.

Adenoids grade 2

Adenoids not only grow, but from time to time they can also become inflamed. In this case, an acute disease called adenoiditis occurs. Its signs:

• the thermometer confidently surpasses 38 degrees;
• the appearance of liquid, possibly mixed with blood, discharge that turns into mucopurulent;
• It is difficult for the baby to fall asleep, he snores at night, and short-term pauses in breathing occur - apnea.

The doctor prescribes treatment to which the disease responds, but with repeated exacerbations of the disease, the adenoids have to be removed.

Adenoids of the second degree are manifested by significant difficulty breathing, which increases at night. The constant lack of oxygen explains the baby's weakness and lethargy, drowsiness, developmental delays, weakness and headache. Bronchial asthma, bedwetting, and hearing and speech impairment may occur.

Adenoids grade 3

With a significant increase in adenoids, their effect on the child’s body becomes more and more destructive. Constant inflammation contributes to the uninterrupted production of mucus and pus, which easily enter the respiratory system. Laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis become frequent guests, and purulent otitises also join them.

The process of normal development of the bones of the facial skeleton is disrupted, and this affects the development of the baby’s speech in the most unfavorable way. Inattentive parents do not always notice the nasal sound that appears, and the inability to pronounce many letters is attributed to other reasons.

A constantly open mouth changes the appearance of a hitherto attractive child, and he begins to have psychological problems due to the ridicule of his peers. There is no need to hope that the child will outgrow it; at this stage, visiting a doctor becomes a necessity.

What adenoids look like: photo

The photo below shows how the disease manifests itself in children.

Diagnostics

Comprehensive diagnostics consists of conducting a full examination, consisting of several stages:

1. Determination of complaints and medical history.
2. Digital examination of the nasopharynx.
3. Rhinoscopy (anterior and posterior) – examination of the upper parts of the nasopharynx using a mirror.
4. X-ray of the nasopharynx (currently used extremely rarely).
5. Endoscopy (examination using a probe with a camera).

Endoscopic examination and computed tomography are considered the most informative diagnostic techniques, which make it possible to accurately determine the degree of growth of adenoid vegetations, the reasons for their increase, the structure of the tissue, and the presence of edema. And also find out the condition of neighboring organs, determine the possibilities of conservative methods of therapy (local treatment, laser therapy, therapy with folk remedies and homeopathy, physiotherapy) or the need for surgery and the adenotomy technique.

How to treat adenoids in children?

Doctors know several ways to treat adenoids - without surgery and with the help of surgical placement. But recently, the newest method of getting rid of the disease has come to the fore - laser.

General treatment regimens are based on the following:

• Laser therapy - today this method is considered very effective, and most doctors consider it safe, although no one knows the long-term consequences of laser exposure, and no long-term studies have been carried out in the field of its use. Laser therapy reduces swelling of lymphoid tissue, increases local immunity, and reduces the inflammatory process in adenoid tissue.
• Drug therapy for adenoids consists primarily of thoroughly removing mucus, discharge from the nose and nasopharynx. Only after cleansing can local medications be used, since the abundance of mucus significantly reduces the effectiveness of therapy.
• Physiotherapy is ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis, UHF - procedures that are prescribed by a doctor endonasally, usually 10 procedures each.
• Climatotherapy - treatment in sanatoriums of the Crimea, Stavropol Territory, Sochi has a positive effect on the entire body, improves immunity and helps reduce the proliferation of adenoids.
• Massage of the collar area, face, breathing exercises are part of the complex treatment of adenoids in children.
• Homeopathic remedies are the safest method of treatment, the effectiveness of which is very individual; homeopathy helps some children very well, while for others it is poorly effective. In any case, it should be used, since it is safe and can be combined with traditional treatment. It is especially recommended to take Lymphomyosot, a complex homeopathic medicine produced by the well-known German company Heel, and thuja oil for adenoids is considered a very effective remedy.

The child's diet should be rich in vitamins. Eating low-allergic fruits and vegetables and lactic acid products is necessary.

Adenoid Removal Options

Removal of adenoids in children can be performed in a classic way - with an adenotomy, using a laser knife, and endoscopically using a microdebrider shaver.

Laser removal is becoming more popular. This method is considered the least traumatic, allows you to remove adenoids in children without anesthesia and causes the least number of complications. The rehabilitation period after such an operation takes no more than 10-14 days.

Contraindications to adenoid removal:

• congenital anomalies of the hard and soft palate;
• diseases that are accompanied by an increased tendency to bleed;
• blood diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• severe cardiovascular diseases;
• skin diseases;
• inflammation of the adenoids -;
• severe allergies;
• age up to 3 years (only for strict indications).

Indications for adenotomy:

• ineffectiveness of conservative treatment;
• frequent relapses (up to 4 times a year);
• development of complications - arthritis, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis or rheumatism;
• difficulty in nasal breathing, which constantly leads to the development of sinusitis, sinusitis and otitis, while conservative treatment did not produce the desired results;
• sleep disorders;
• respiratory arrest at night;
• persistent otitis media and severe hearing impairment;
• deformation of the maxillofacial skeleton (“adenoid face”) and chest.

Beloved doctor Komarovsky, answering questions from concerned mothers, explained that the reason for removing adenoids is not the fact of their presence, but specific indications for surgical intervention. Getting rid of enlarged adenoids at the age of three or four years is fraught with their reappearance. However, if hearing problems arise, there is no positive dynamics with conservative treatment and the child constantly breathes through the mouth, there are undoubtedly indications for surgery, and the child’s age is not an obstacle to its implementation.

Prevention

Taking into account all the above, a logical question arises: what preventive measures should be taken to prevent adenoids from overgrowing, what to do to protect a child from this disease?

Perhaps the most important thing in this case will be maintaining the child’s immunity at the proper level, as well as observing the diet and rules of nutrition. Timely treatment of diseases of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract is also important. In addition, hardening has a good effect.

Adenoids are a disease in which pathological growth of tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil occurs. Normally, it rises slightly above the mucous tissue of the pharynx, but in pathology it greatly increases and blocks the nasopharynx, which leads to impaired air circulation.

With inflammation in the nasopharynx, the tonsil enlarges, and when recovery occurs, it returns to its previous size. If inflammation in the nasopharynx occurs frequently, this can disrupt the physiological processes in the tonsil and cause proliferation.

A hypertrophied tonsil cannot cope with its function and itself becomes a source of infection, so the child suffers viral and bacterial infections even more often. The pharyngeal tonsils are large in young children. From about 12 years of age they begin to shrink and atrophy.

Why does lymphoid tissue increase in the nasopharynx?

Factors that provoke the proliferation of pharyngeal tonsils are discussed in more detail.

Infections of the mother during pregnancy

If during pregnancy a woman suffered an infectious disease or took medications that could disrupt the natural formation of the fetus, then the child may have a predisposition to adenoids, or more precisely, to a pathology of the development of lymphoid tissue. And colds or other negative factors become a catalyst for the development of pathology.

Infectious diseases of the nasopharynx

We are talking about acute respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis. Adenoids can develop due to untreated or chronic upper respiratory tract infections. When a pathogen penetrates, lymphoid tissue reacts to it by increasing the synthesis of lymphocytes and immune cells, which requires increased blood supply.

During inflammatory processes in the tonsil, blood circulation and tissue structure may be disrupted. This leads to stagnation of blood and lymph and the immune organ is unable to perform its function. When inflammation spreads to the lymphatic tissue, adenoiditis (purulent inflammation) develops, in which the volume and mass of the tonsil increases.

Lymphatic diathesis

This is a condition in which lymphoid tissue increases in children and the development of the adrenal glands, glands, and heart does not correspond to the norm. With this pathology, not only the tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil is hypertrophied, but also the entire pharyngeal ring, the follicles of the tongue and pharynx grow.

Signs of enlarged adenoids

The following signs may indicate adenoids. The first is that it is difficult for the child to breathe through his nose. The tissue between the nasal cavity and the pharynx grows, so hypertrophied tonsils block the lumen of the nasopharynx and do not allow air to circulate freely.

The child increasingly tries to breathe through the mouth, but the air entering the lower respiratory tract is not warmed up and is not disinfected. It can also cause a lack of oxygen in the brain and anemia. Children become lethargic, have difficulty concentrating, get tired quickly, may experience headaches, and do not feel rested after sleep.

Grade 1 adenoids can be diagnosed in a one-year-old child and older children

There is a change in voice. The child speaks as if he has a runny nose (nasally, quietly). The voice changes because the adenoids do not allow air to enter the nasal sinuses, which serve as resonators and are involved in the formation of sounds.

Hearing acuity changes. Hypertrophied tissue closes the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. Therefore, the pressure in the tympanic cavity is not equalized, and sounds are poorly heard. Recurrent otitis occurs. The inflamed tonsil is not able to resist the pathogen and itself becomes a source of infection.

Bacteria easily spread to the middle ear, hence frequent otitis media.

The child may snore. When lying on the back, the overgrown tissue blocks the lumen of the nasopharynx, thereby limiting nasal breathing, so the baby snores.

Degrees of adenoid growths

Parents will be able to roughly understand the severity of the disease by the following signs:

• If adenoids 1st degree, then the child does not have problems with nasal breathing during wakefulness. It’s hard for a baby to breathe through his nose only at night. When it is in a horizontal position, the location of the adenoids changes, and they cover most of the lumen of the nasopharynx. This prevents the child from breathing through his nose and snoring appears;
• adenoids grade 2 The child is limited to mouth breathing day and night. Adenoids cover the lumen of the upper respiratory tract by more than a third. As a result, there may be a lack of oxygen in the cells and tissues of the body. The child experiences headaches and gets tired quickly. Already at the second stage of growth, adenoids can provoke hearing loss and voice changes;
• If adenoids grade 3, then the enlarged nasopharyngeal tonsil closes the lumen into the nasopharynx, which makes it impossible for air to flow through the nostrils. Hence the regular acute respiratory diseases and chronic rhinitis, and changes in voice and hearing.

There are three degrees of the pathological condition

Sometimes you can hear about the fourth degree of adenoid growths. In this case, we can assume that the doctor is trying to say that the removal operation should have been carried out yesterday. If he writes down the diagnosis “enlarged adenoids to degree 4,” then he is simply illiterate. And especially don’t believe it if they talk about the 5th degree, because it doesn’t exist.

As a rule, the disease manifests itself between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Moreover, adenoids can grow to grade 3 in a small child very quickly.

An otolaryngologist must determine the degree of vegetation of the adenoids using special instruments and additional studies. Diagnosis is carried out when the child is somatically healthy, since the symptoms of a cold are similar to adenoiditis.

Diagnosis of the disease

To determine the degree, ENT uses the following methods:

• posterior rhinoscopy. The doctor examines the tonsil with a special mirror, which is inserted through the mouth;
• finger examination. This study is carried out if the child does not allow him to look in the mirror. The doctor stands behind the small patient, fixes the head and inserts a finger into the mouth towards the nasopharynx. The degree of proliferation of lymphoid tissue and its structure are assessed by touch. If the adenoids are soft, then this is a sign of inflammation, but if they are dense, then this indicates hypertrophy;
• X-ray of the nasopharynx. This study provides an objective picture, since enlarged pharyngeal tonsils are visible on the image in the lateral projection. An x-ray will also show whether there is a (cause of chronic tonsillitis). But it will not allow you to establish the cause, and, in addition, if there is mucus on the tonsil, then it does not differ from the tissue, and this can lead to incorrect determination of the degree of adenoids in children;
• CT scan. Gives an accurate image of inflamed tissue. The study is prescribed when there are signs of other pathologies of the nasopharynx;
• endoscopic rhinoscopy. This is one of the most reliable, safe and fastest methods for examining the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. For examination, a soft endoscope (tube with a video camera) is inserted into each nostril. Diagnostics makes it possible to assess the degree of tissue enlargement, the condition of the mucous membrane, and the spread of inflammation;
• endoscopic epipharyngoscopy. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth. The degree of proliferation of the tonsil is determined by the extent to which the lymphoid tissue covers the vomer (the bone located inside the nasal cavity and dividing it in half). With grade 1 adenoids, the pathologically overgrown tissue covers a small upper part of the vomer, and with grade 3 it covers completely.

An endoscope examination takes about two minutes.

How to treat the disease

Finding out the degree of tissue proliferation is necessary to determine further treatment tactics. It is important to understand the reason for the increase in lymphoid tissue. Even if the adenoids have reached the size of the third degree, they do not always need to be removed, the main task is to restore nasal breathing.

If enlarged adenoids are the result of inflammation, then they can be cured using conservative methods.

Inflamed adenoids are soft, smooth, covered with mucus and pus, and their color is bright red or bluish. And if they are hypertrophied (hard, pink, “clean”), then the child’s grade 2 adenoids will have to be surgically removed.

If you ignore the pathology, mouth breathing can lead to the development of irreversible deformations of the facial skeleton: malocclusion, deviated nasal septum, elongation of the upper jaw, drooping lower jaw.

Conservative therapy

Treatment with medications is indicated for grade 1 and 2 adenoids, as well as if surgical intervention is not possible. During therapy, the following medications and procedures may be prescribed.

Antibacterial drugs

Their use is advisable if a bacterial infection develops in the upper respiratory tract. Before they are discharged, an analysis is carried out to determine the presence of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics.

Vasoconstrictor drops

This is a symptomatic treatment because it does not affect the cause of the pathology. They relieve nasal congestion, making breathing easier while eating or sleeping, which is especially important for infants. However, the drops cannot be used for a long time (they are prescribed in three-day courses), as they are addictive.

Immunostimulants

They are designed to mobilize the body's immune forces and resist the development of the inflammatory process. This drug should be prescribed by an immunologist.

It is recommended to rinse the nose with physiological or saline solution, since they are effective in combating pathogens, are not addictive and have no side effects or contraindications. This procedure has a temporary effect. It destroys pathogenic microflora and frees the nasal passages from accumulated mucus.

For the procedure, you can use herbal infusions or an antiseptic solution. If the child's adenoids are very enlarged, then it must be carried out with caution, since fluid can leak into the Eustachian tube and cause hearing loss or otitis media.

Effective stage of therapy

The following procedures can be used to treat adenoids:

• laser treatment. The laser affects the blood vessels, increasing their blood supply and relieving swelling. As soon as the swelling goes down, the adenoids become smaller. The procedure is effective only if pus and mucus are removed from the adenoids, and if the laser hits the tonsil directly (it is ineffective to shine light through the bridge of the nose);
• ozone therapy. Ozone destroys pathogenic microflora, helps restore immunity and accelerates the process of tissue regeneration;
• ultraviolet irradiation. During the physiotherapy procedure, equipment is inserted into the nose, which kills bacterial microflora using ultraviolet light;
• UHF on the nose area. The procedure is needed to reduce the inflammatory process. Effective for acute forms of adenoiditis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
• electrophoresis. Medicines are injected using current directly into the tonsil tissue. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic drugs are used.

Surgical removal of adenoids

Adenoids are removed surgically if they have reached stage 2 or 3 of growth, and conservative treatment does not produce results. The operation is contraindicated for blood diseases and during periods of exacerbation of the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx.

The operation is performed in a clinic under local anesthesia or without it, and for young children under general anesthesia in a hospital. First, the doctor clears the adenoids of mucus and pus by rinsing. Then the nasopharyngeal mucosa is treated with an anesthetic spray, and the nasal passages are closed with cotton swabs.

The tonsil is removed with a special instrument (Beckman knife), which is inserted through the mouth. The adenoids are cut off in one motion. After local anesthesia, the patient goes home and is recommended to rest in bed for a day.

After general anesthesia, the patient is observed for 1–3 days in the hospital.

It is important that during the operation the nasopharyngeal mucosa is not injured and the tonsil is completely removed, otherwise the adenoids will appear again. Adenoid removal can be performed under endoscopic control. The equipment is inserted through the patient’s mouth; using a video camera, the doctor can see the tonsil and make sure that after removal there are no adenoid vegetations left.

This method is more labor-intensive and expensive, but also more effective. The operation is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. The laser can be used to perform adenoidectomy (it is used like a scalpel), interstitial destruction (destruction of pathological tissue from the inside) or vaporization (the laser reduces vegetation without removal).

Only a specialist can determine whether a child has adenoid vegetations. Nasal breathing is not always blocked by an enlarged tonsil. The cause may be allergic or vasomotor rhinitis, deviated nasal septum, or tumor.

Therefore, you definitely need to visit a doctor and conduct an objective study. The doctor will determine the best, based on the degree of development of the disease and the child’s health condition.

Unfortunately, adenoids today are one of the most common problems in children 3-7 years old. Moreover, over time the disease progresses and becomes younger. Today, every second child goes to an otolaryngologist with adenoid problems. And not in vain - timely treatment will allow you to get rid of adenoids, but a neglected condition can lead to real problems and a significant deterioration in the baby’s quality of life. Today we’ll talk about what adenoids are, how and why they appear, what to do about it and whether it is worth removing adenoids from a child.

What are adenoids

Adenoids are not an organ; this is the name given to a pathological increase in lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx. Between the pharynx and nose there is a nasopharyngeal tonsil, which is part of the pharyngeal ring. The organ is a shapeless substance in the form of a sponge. The tonsil performs a very important function - it protects the pharynx from various microbes that enter the body along with air, food, and water. It produces lymphocytes, which are necessary for a person to form immunity. Enlargement of the tonsil is called adenoid hypertrophy, and when this important part of the body becomes inflamed, adenoiditis is diagnosed. As a rule, adenoids are a concomitant symptom of some other disease, but this can develop into an independent chronic problem that prevents the child from living and breathing normally. Adenoids, as a rule, appear in children under 10 years of age; with age, the size of this tonsil decreases, sometimes in adults it disappears completely. But for children, this is an indispensable organ, because before the age of 5, a child is exposed to a huge number of viruses, bacteria, microbes - this is how his immunity is formed.

Why do adenoids enlarge?

Enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsil and proliferation of lymphoid tissue are quite typical for colds, and especially viral diseases. A child with ARVI cannot breathe through his nose, but this usually lasts no more than a week. In what other cases is there an enlargement of adenoids and why the tissues do not shrink for a long time, let’s try to figure it out.

1. Frequent colds. If a child is constantly forced to come into contact with infected people, he often gets sick, this is especially pronounced if the immune system is weak. In this case, the tonsils simply do not have time to return to normal; they are constantly swollen. A similar condition is often observed in weak children who go to kindergarten.
2. Infection. Many infectious diseases, among other symptoms, have exactly this manifestation - enlarged adenoids. If the child suddenly stops breathing through his nose, but there is no discharge from the nose, you need to examine the baby for a rash and monitor the temperature. Adenoids can be enlarged with scarlet fever, influenza, measles, mononucleosis, diphtheria, rubella, whooping cough, etc.
3. Allergy. The constant presence of the tonsil in an enlarged and inflamed state may indicate regular contact with the allergen. That is, adenoids are a response to irritation of the mucous membrane. An allergen can be anything - food, plant pollen, dust, animal hair, etc.
4. Reduced immunity. If a child is weak, does not walk in the fresh air, does not have a healthy and nutritious diet, if he constantly suffers from chronic and infectious diseases, his immunity is very weak. The body's defenses are also reduced if the child breathes dry and hot air, if he lives in a poor environmental environment, if he is surrounded by dust. Frequent consumption of sweets, preservatives and artificial colors, flavors, and overeating have a very detrimental effect on the condition of the body.
5. Complications. Often, a child’s tendency to develop adenoids is a consequence of various problems the mother has during pregnancy. This is taking antibiotics, fetal trauma, intrauterine hypoxia, taking strong medications, drugs or alcohol, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
6. Heredity. Sometimes the structure of lymphoid tissue and its predisposition to increase is genetic. Namely, a pathology called lymphatism. This leads to a deterioration in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland - the child becomes lethargic, apathetic, and easily gains weight.
7. Breast-feeding. It has long been proven that a child fed with breast milk for at least six months has a much stronger immune system; antibodies to various pathogens have been formed in the body.

All these reasons can trigger the occurrence of adenoiditis in children. But how does it manifest itself? How to recognize the disease in time and begin adequate treatment?

Here are some characteristic symptoms that may indicate the development of this diagnosis.

1. First of all, it is the inability to breathe through the nose. The child is forced to constantly breathe through the mouth, especially during sleep. Because of this, the baby’s lips often dry out, and crusts and sores appear on the delicate skin of the lips. In a dream, the baby constantly keeps his mouth open, his head tilted back.
2. Breathing through the mouth is a very uncomfortable process, especially if the baby is forced to breathe this way constantly. Because of this, the child experiences mood swings and feels unwell. Lack of oxygen leads to headaches, increased fatigue, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.
3. Due to nasal congestion, breastfed children cannot suckle normally at the breast or bottle - they have to constantly pause for breath, and breastfed children often lose weight because of this.
4. For obvious reasons, the child cannot smell odors, and the cutting sense of smell is reduced.
5. An obstruction in the nose does not allow the child to sleep normally - characteristic snoring, wheezing, constant air retention, shuddering, and attacks of suffocation are heard. The child does not sleep soundly and constantly wakes up crying.
6. The mucous membrane of the mouth dries out when breathing, because it is not designed for such a load. In the morning, the child develops a barking cough until he drinks some water.
7. The timbre of the child’s voice also changes, he begins to drone.
8. A person needs the nose to clean and warm the inhaled air. But since the nose is closed, the air enters the body cold and dirty. This leads to frequent inflammation of the respiratory organs, bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc.
9. When significantly enlarged, the inflamed tonsil closes not only the nasal passages, but also the passage between the nasopharynx and the ear cavity. Because of this, frequent otitis media, pain and shooting in the ear occur, and often a long course of the disease leads to hearing impairment.
10. Acute adenoiditis occurs most often against the background of a cold; it is accompanied by a high temperature and the flow of mucus from the nose.

To diagnose a disease, the first step is to be examined by a doctor. He examines the nasal passages, opening them with a special instrument. An examination of the throat is mandatory - the child is asked to swallow - while the soft palate moves and the adenoids vibrate slightly. A posterior (internal) examination of the throat is also often performed using a special mirror, but many children experience a gag reflex in this case. One of the most modern and informative ways to see the adenoids of your child or patient is to use an endoscope. The adenoids will be clearly presented on the screen, you will be able to see their size, accurately determine the degree of development of the disease and examine the mucus and blood on the surface, if any.

There are three stages of tonsil enlargement. The first stage of adenoids - they block the nasal passage by no more than a third, the child can breathe independently only while awake, while breathing is blocked when in a horizontal position. Second degree - breathing is blocked by more than half, the child breathes with difficulty during the day, and does not breathe through his nose at all at night. The last, third stage is a complete or almost complete absence of nasal breathing. A child's prolonged stay in the third stage is an indication for adenoid removal.

In the fight against adenoids, the main thing is to gradually and patiently follow the doctor’s orders. With the first and second degree of enlargement of the adenoids, the disease can be easily managed with medication, even if it is a chronic course of the disease.

If the adenoids are enlarged due to another disease, then all treatment comes down to fighting the underlying disease, in which case the adenoids quickly return to normal. For example, with mononucleosis, the adenoids are very pronounced, the child cannot take a single breath through the nose. But the disease is treated mainly with the help of antibacterial therapy, in this case the penicillin group. In other cases of acute and chronic adenoiditis, you can use the following medications to help open nasal breathing.

1. Antihistamines. They are definitely needed, and not only for allergies. Antihistamines relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and tonsils by 20-30%, allowing the child to breathe at least a little through his nose. You can give your baby what you have at home, naturally, observing the dosage - this could be Zyrtec, Zodak, Suprastin, Lordes, Allergide, Fenistil, etc.
2. Nasal rinsing. Pharmacies have special solutions and sprays that wash away excess mucus, bacteria, viruses from the adenoids, and also perfectly moisturize the mucous membrane. Among them are Aquamaris, Humer, Morimer. If desired, you can rinse your nose with plain salted water.
3. Vasoconstrictors. For ease of use, they are usually presented in the form of a spray or drops. Such medications must be used, especially before bedtime. Unfortunately, they cannot be used for more than 5 days. It must be remembered that such drugs are used only to relieve symptoms - they do not have a therapeutic effect. Infants can only use medications that are appropriate for their age. Among the effective vasoconstrictors are Naphthyzin, Sanorin, Rinazolin, etc.
4. Hormonal drops and sprays. This group of medications helps when all others can no longer cope with severe swelling in the nose. It is important to take them strictly according to the instructions - they can be addictive. Among such products are Nasonex, Hydrocartisone, Flix, etc.
5. Antiseptics. They are especially necessary if the enlargement of the adenoids is caused by a viral or bacteriological nature. Among them I would like to mention Protorgol, Sofradex, Albucid, Isofra, etc.

For exhausted and dry nasal mucosa, you can use various oils - for example, sea buckthorn. A very effective vegetable oil-based drug is Pinosol. In the fight against sinusitis of various natures, use Sinupret - in drops or tablets. This is also an effective herbal preparation that can be given even to small children. Immunomodulators or vitamins are required to strengthen the baby’s general condition.

How else to cure adenoids

Here are some more effective ways to combat adenoids that do not involve the use of medications.

1. Be sure to use proven homemade nasal drops in the fight against nasal congestion - this is diluted juice of aloe, kalanchoe, onion and garlic. Rinse your nose with salt water, using a syringe, a small teapot, or simply sniffing the water through one nostril.
2. It is very useful to do inhalations - using a nebulizer or the old-fashioned way with a basin of hot water. Antiseptic drugs, decoctions of medicinal herbs, or simply salt water can be used as the main healing liquid. It is advisable to explain to the child that he must breathe through his nose.
3. If you have a physical therapy office nearby, it can be very helpful to undergo various treatments. A tube, laser therapy, UHF, and electrophoresis will help to cope with enlarged adenoids.
4. Try to take your child to the sea or mountains for treatment once or twice a year. Climate change has a very positive effect on children's health with such a diagnosis. It is useful to be treated in sanatoriums located in coniferous forests. Be sure to take several courses to visit salt caves.
5. Find an experienced massage therapist who will massage the collar area and neck. This promotes a rush of blood to the nasopharynx and accelerates the process of resorption of the adenoids. It is very useful to do breathing exercises after a massage.
6. Be sure to strengthen the child’s immunity - you need to provide him with proper and healthy nutrition, you need to strengthen the child, walk him in the fresh air more often, moisturize and ventilate the room, etc. Be sure to promptly treat diseases of the upper respiratory organs and caries - foci of inflammation can lead to chronic enlargement of the adenoids.

Remember, complex therapy is prescribed only by a doctor. With the help of effective treatment, you can get rid of adenoiditis of the first and (less often) second degree. The third degree is treated conservatively only if there are clear contraindications to adenoid removal. In other cases, third and second degrees require surgical intervention.

Adenoid removal

Many parents are afraid of this operation, and in vain. Modern equipment allows you to remove the adenoids under general anesthesia, the child goes home the same day. Removal of adenoids is indicated if the baby cannot breathe independently through the nose, if illnesses often result in complications in the ears, if the child stops breathing at night. You need to understand that this simple operation significantly improves the child’s quality of life. Adenoids are not removed if the baby has serious heart disease, blood disease, or congenital anomalies of the hard and soft palate. Also, adenoids should not be removed during the flu season, or the baby should not be quarantined during the recovery period after surgery.

Adenoids are a serious pathology that requires timely treatment. Don't ignore your child's nasal congestion. With proper therapy, adenoids can be easily managed. But if you have a second or third degree of enlarged adenoids, do not be afraid of surgery, this will help the child live a normal life again. The most important thing is to find a good doctor to whom you can trust the most important thing - the health of your baby.

Video: how to treat adenoids in children

Medicines

For grades 1 and 2 of adenoiditis, the doctor prescribes medications that help reduce swelling of the lymphoid tissue, eliminate allergic reactions of the body, as well as destroy pathogenic microflora and increase protective properties.

Nasal drops help restore breathing and reduce swelling of the upper respiratory tract. More often than others, otolaryngologists prescribe Nazivin, Naphthyzin, Albucid, and Nazol drops to children. It is worth noting in advance that instillation is recommended for 5-7 days. It is undesirable to use drugs for longer than the suggested period, as addiction may develop, which will lead to chronic rhinitis. In case of complications or after surgery, children are prescribed antibiotics: Ampicillin, Cefuroxime, Sumamed.

For each patient individually, depending on the stage and symptoms, the doctor may prescribe additional medications: lozenges, sprays and inhalers. Now you know how to treat adenoids in a 4-year-old child.

To prevent the development of this disease, experts recommend giving children immunomodulatory drugs, such as Cytovir-3. It has a complex effect, helps strengthen the immune system, and also has a negative effect on viral infections. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in the early stages. It is also recommended to take it for prophylactic purposes to maintain the body's defense response. The drug is available in the form of syrup, powder for solution and capsules. To ensure that children like it, the suspension has aromatic flavorings - strawberry, orange, cranberry.

Alternative Methods

Another effective way to treat adenoiditis in a child is aromatherapy. Before performing this technique, make sure that the patient is not allergic to the selected essential oil. The following oils are suitable for therapeutic therapy:

• lavender;
• sage;
• pine;
• fir;
• basil.

Parents can instill one of the herbal remedies or prepare a mixture of several components themselves. It is safer to treat adenoids in a child aged 3 to 5 years this way than using strong medications. But home procedures can be carried out only after consultation with a doctor.

Breathing exercises are effective for this disease. Of course, not all kids will be able to do it, however, there is nothing complicated about it. It is enough for mothers to take the initiative and interest the child. Before performing it, it is necessary to clear the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus. Below is a list of simple techniques to make breathing easier:

• Ask your baby to tightly close both nostrils one by one and take 10 deep breaths in this position. It is recommended to conduct classes outdoors.
• Invite your child to close his nasal passages one at a time. While in this position, he should take a deep breath and hold his breath for a few seconds. The exercise must be repeated at least 10 times.

Many people are interested in the question: are adenoids treated in children using traditional methods. Herbal medicine can be used as an adjunct to primary drug therapy. Here are some effective recipes:

• Sea buckthorn oil (reduces inflammation, moisturizes the nasal mucosa). It is recommended to instill in each nasal passage; before use, you need to slightly warm the glass bottle in a water bath. Can be used for no more than two weeks.
• Eucalyptus tincture. The product improves the respiratory process and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Two tablespoons of dry leaves are poured with 300 milliliters of boiling water. After this, the solution should sit for at least 60 minutes. You can gargle with the resulting decoction no more than 3 times a day.

Folk remedies should complement the main therapy prescribed by the attending physician. The sooner you begin comprehensive procedures, the more likely you are to cure your child's adenoids without surgery.