ear, nose, and throat disorders
Adenoid Disorders
Introduction
Enlarged and inflamed adenoids, common among children, can make breathing difficult and lead to sleep disturbances and recurring ear infections. Enlarged adenoids in children may result from infections. Enlargement usually causes no symptoms but can occasionally cause difficulty breathing or swallowing and sometimes recurring ear or sinus infections or obstructive sleep apnea. The diagnosis is based on nasopharyngoscopy. Antibiotics may be used if a bacterial infection is present, and sometimes, if infections are recurring, the adenoids are removed. Adenoids are collections of Lymphoid organs where the nasal passages connect with the throat. They help defend the body against infection by trapping bacteria and viruses entering through the throat and by producing antibodies. The adenoids are largest in children who are 2 to 6 years of age. The adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the palate, where the nasal passages connect with the throat. The adenoids are not visible through the mouth. 