Does your child have difficulty breathing or snore while sleeping? Does it sound like his voice is coming through his nose? Do you suspect that your child has nasal adenoids? Learn more about nasal adenoids in children, what its problems are, and how it can be treated.

 

What is Nasal Adenoid in Children?

Nasal adenoids are small lymphatic tissue located at the back of the nasal airway, just above the tonsils. It is part of the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in the body's immune system. In infants and young children, adenoids help fight infections by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through the nose and mouth.

Nasal Adenoids usually enlarge naturally in children between the ages of 2-4 years, and sometimes earlier, before they begin to shrink around the age of 5 years, until they disappear during adolescence. However, if it is excessively enlarged for one reason or another, it may cause problems with breathing, sleeping, and the child’s general health, which requires seeing a doctor. (1)

 

Symptoms of enlarged nasal Adenoid in children

Usually, Adenoids are small and do not cause any problems, but they may become excessively enlarged due to repeated infections or allergies. Which may cause a number of symptoms, including: (2)

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially at night.
  • Bad breathe Dry mouth and lips due to breathing through the mouth.
  • Speaking through the nose (nasality).
  • Snoring.
  • Shortness of breath for several seconds during sleep (sleep apnea).
  • Recurring ear infections.
  • Chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
  • Runny nose or congestion.

 



These symptoms are usually transient and temporary but consult a doctor if your child constantly suffers from the above symptoms, to diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. Book an appointment today at the ENT Department at Al-Ahli Hospital and get answers to all your questions.



Diagnosis of nasal Adenoids in children

Adenoids are diagnosed after taking the child’s medical history, asking about his symptoms, and performing a physical examination of the nose, ear, and throat to evaluate whether or not there is enlargement. The doctor may recommend other tests for a more accurate diagnosis, such as: an X-ray or a nasal endoscope. Sometimes sleep studies may be done if the child has sleep apnea. (3)


How to treat adenoids in children

There is no non-surgical way to remove adenoids, but sometimes it is possible to reduce the size of adenoids and relieve the symptoms associated with their enlargement, using antibiotics to treat the infection, cortisone sprays to relieve congestion, or even treating the cause such as an allergy, but this does not remove the adenoids themselves. If the adenoids are greatly enlarged or causing significant and recurring problems in the child, surgery (adenoidectomy) may be necessary. (3)


How are adenoids removed in children?

The adenoidectomy procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately half an hour, during which the doctor keeps the child's mouth open to remove the adenoid through the mouth without making an incision in the skin and without leaving any scars. (3)


Recovery after adenoidectomy in children

The child often goes home the same day after the adenoidectomy. For several days after the procedure, the child may experience a mild to moderate degree of pain and discomfort including a runny nose and bad breath. Pain and discomfort can usually be managed with the pain reliever paracetamol (Adol and its alternatives) and ibuprofen (Brufen and its alternatives) as needed. (3)


The doctor will recommend instructions such as keeping your child well hydrated, providing him with bland drinks such as apple juice and soups, and offering him healthy, soft foods such as jelly and mashed vegetables.


Does removing nasal adenoids have any side effects?

Adenoidectomy is generally safe, and most children do not suffer from any side effects or serious problems after it, especially with the modern techniques used. But like any surgical procedure, there may be potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, and allergy to the anesthetic. Do not forget that removing them when needed outweighs any potential risks of the operation, and this is what the doctor decides after the evaluation. (4)


See your child's doctor if symptoms of adenoid enlargement persist after removal, or if new, abnormal symptoms appear.


Does adenoidectomy weaken the immune system?

Adenoidectomy does not weaken the immune system: Although nasal Adenoids are important in fighting infections and germs in infants and young children, they become less important as children grow older and the body develops other ways to fight germs. This usually occurs when the child reaches 5 years of age, to the teenage years. (3) 


Do adenoids appear again after they are removed?

In most cases, the adenoids do not grow back after they are removed, but in rare cases, the adenoids may not be completely removed, and in this case the adenoids may appear again, and you need another operation if they cause persistent symptoms. (4)


At Al-Ahli Hospital, we care about your child’s health and provide you with the best medical care for nasal adenoids. We take care of him around the clock with a group of the most skilled health care providers! Do not hesitate to contact us!


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