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What areĀ Enlarged Adenoids
Enlarged adenoids means that your adenoids are larger than normal.
The adenoids are areas of soft tissue located high in the back of the throat, behind the nose and the roof of the mouth. They are part of the bodyās natural defense (immune) system.
Adenoids trap germs, such as bacteria and viruses, as they pass through the throat. This can make the adenoids inflamed and enlarged. Adenoids also produce antibodies that help fight infections.
What are the causes of Enlarged Adenoids?
This condition may be caused by:
- Viral or bacterial infection.
- Allergies.
- Smoking or exposure to other irritants.
- Backup of stomach fluids or food into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).
- Cancer. This is very rare.
What increases the risk of Enlarged Adenoids?
This condition is more likely to develop in people who:
- Have allergies.
- Are often exposed to bacterial or viral infections.
- Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Smoke.
- Are HIV-positive.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition may include:
- Dry, cracked lips and mouth.
- Restlessness while sleeping.
- Snoring.
- Bad breath.
- Frequent ear infections.
- Persistent runny nose or nasal congestion.
- Enlarged tonsils.
- Difficulty hearing.
- Persistent coughing.
- Nasal voice.
- Mouth breathing.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history, including how many sore throats you have had over the past 1ā3 years. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam to check your ears, nose, and throat using a small mirror or a flexible scope (nasopharyngoscope). You may also have tests, including:
- An X-ray of your throat.
- A throat culture to check for a bacterial infection.
- Blood tests to check for viral infections, such as mononucleosis.
- Sleep studies.
How is this treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your condition. Treatment may include:
- Corticosteroid nasal spray or other allergy medicines, such as antihistamines.
- Antibiotic medicines to treat a bacterial infection.
- Surgery
to remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy) and possibly the tonsils (tonsillectomy).
This may be done if you have:
- Extreme pain.
- Breathing problems.
- Frequent infections.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as told by your health care provider. Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
- Do notuse any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have ear or sinus infections that keep coming back (recurring).
- You have hearing loss.
- You have trouble sleeping.
Get help right away if:
- You have severe pain.
- You have trouble talking, breathing, or swallowing.