Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan answered the questions about adenoids and tonsil problems in children.

What is an Adenoid?

Adenoid is part of our immune system. It is in the nasal region behind the nasal cavity. Also known as adenoid tissue. It is structurally composed of the cells that make up the tonsil tissue but has no capsule. Adenoid is especially prominent in the first years of life.

Why Does Adenoid Grow in Some Children?

Upper respiratory tract infections and allergies are the leading factors causing the growth of adenoids. Genetic factors are also known to be effective in adenoid growth. However, in cases where gastric fluid reaches the mouth, growth may also occur in the adenoid tissue. Research shows that allergies and reflux are also risk factors for adenoid growth. One study showed that the risk of adenoid growth increased 9.6 times in children with pathological throat reflux and 5.4 times in children with pathological stomach reflux. Because of all these, especially during periods when allergies are intense, the adenoid also grows more.

At What Age Does Adenoid Affect Children? Does It Normally Disappear with Age?

Adenoid grows in the first years of life, between the ages of 2 and 8 when children first encounter environmental factors such as germs and allergens. However, it begins to get smaller in the following years due to the development of the immune system in children. In parallel with the infections in the upper respiratory tract, which we frequently see in children, there is an increase in adenoid problems, especially in the winter.

What Kind of Issues May an Adrenal Growth Lead To? What Symptoms Which Symptoms Suggest an Adenoid Problem?

Adenoids produce antibody cells to protect the body against microbes that reach the upper respiratory tract. However, for the adenoid to cause problems, its dimensions need to reach a level that will reduce air passage through the nose and/or close the mouth of the eustachian tubes that ventilate the ear. When the problem reaches this point, breathing difficulties through the nose, continuous breathing through the mouth, developmental disorders in the teeth and jaw, urinary incontinence, growth, and developmental retardation can be seen. Problems such as restlessness, nasal talking, ventilation disorder in the middle ear and consequent collapse of the ear, frequent recurrent otitis media, wheezing, snoring, sinusitis, coughing, nasal discharge, headache, and depression may occur.