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Enlarged adenoids

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Throat anatomy
Throat anatomy
Adenoids
Adenoids

Alternative Names    Return to top

Adenoids - enlarged

Definition    Return to top

Enlarged adenoids refers to swollen lymphatic tissue in the back of the nose. The tissue is similar to the tonsils.

Causes    Return to top

Enlargement of the adenoids may occur naturally (beginning during fetal development), or it may be caused by long-term inflammation.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The adenoids cannot be seen by looking in the mouth directly, but can be seen with a special mirror or using a flexible endoscope through the nose.

Tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Surgical removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy) will prevent complications, and will cure complications if they already exist from enlarged adenoids. Antibiotics may be used to treat tonsil, adenoid, and sinus infections when they occur.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Full recovery is expected. Right-sided heart failure is reversible when the sleep apnea and airway obstruction are treated.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Enlarged adenoids can cause health-threatening conditions such as chronic ear infections, sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, and right-sided heart failure.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child has difficulty breathing through the nose. Call if the child has other symptoms discussed above.

Prevention    Return to top

Treating throat infections early may prevent the adenoids from becoming enlarged from long-term infection and inflammation. Adenoidectomy prevents the complications of long-term airway obstruction.

Update Date: 1/30/2007

Updated by: Ravindra Uppaluri, MD. Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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