Fact Checked
Adenoiditis is a condition which causes inflammation of the adenoids due to infection. Adenoids are lymphatic tissues that fight infections in the body such as viruses and bacteria. Adenoids are located at the back of the nose and roof of the mouth. In addition, this condition causes difficulty in breathing and persistent respiratory infections.
Adenoids are important for the health of a person. Generally, when the person becomes older the adenoids becomes less important, because the body is capable of fighting infections in many ways. Adenoids become smaller at age 5 or 6 years old. Children are more susceptible to this condition and sometimes it can also affect adults.
Causes of adenoiditis
- Streptococcus bacteria
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
Symptoms
- At first, swelling glands in the neck
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Pain in the ear and other problems of the ear
- Breathing through the mouth
- Stop breathing for a short time during sleep or sleep apnea
- Snoring
- Lastly, difficulty in sleeping
Treatment
- At first, take the antibiotic medication to stop bacterial infections and medications to lessen the inflammation and the pain.
- Take prescribed medication for viral infections such decongestants, anti-inflammatory and nasal sprays to lessen the symptoms.
- Install a humidifier inside the bedroom. Humidifier is a device which adds moisture or humidity inside a room.
- Take the prescribed medication to lessen the allergies and shrink the adenoids. Avoid exposure to allergens such as pollen, mold, pet hair, cigarette smoke, and food that cause allergy to lessen the symptoms.
- Apply cold compress on the throat to lessen the pain and the inflammation. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and then wrap it in towel before placing to the area to prevent ice burn and delays then healing.
- Steroid medication in the form of nasal spray to shrink down enlarged adenoid and for fast healing of the condition.
- In a glass filled with warm water add a teaspoon of salt. Mix them until salt is totally dissolved. Let the affected child gargle the solution to lessen the pain and the swelling in the throat. Avoid drinking the saltwater solution to prevent vomiting.
- Steam inhalation to relieve of nasal congestion due to swelling adenoid glands. Sit inside a bathroom, close windows and doors and let the shower run in hot setting. Inhale the steam inside the bathroom to lessen nasal congestions. Repeat this process 2-3 times every day. Another alternative is taking a hot shower as hot that can be tolerated to relieve the throat and lessen the symptoms of the condition.
Important considerations
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and lessen the sore throat. Water is needed for the proper functioning of the organs and cells including the adenoids for fast healing of the condition.
- Take the prescribed vitamin C supplements for strong immune system of the body and lessen development of infections such as enlarged adenoids
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/adenoiditis