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Adenoid
Problems
Adenoids
are lymph glands, located at the back of the nose where the air passages join those of the
back of the mouth.
The lymph system is the
body’s defence against infection and the lymph glands (like the adenoids) are full of
infection-fighting cells. Any infection breathed in is filtered through the adenoids and
usually killed. However this is not always the case.
What to look for…
Adenoid-related problems
produce symptoms in the ears, nose, and throat. Most common in children between 4 and 8
years old. Any of the following may be indicative of adenoid problems:
Interruption of normal
breathing patterns during the night
snoring
nasal voice
dry throat due to
breathing through the mouth - continually asking for drinks
secretions from the nose
during the day combined with a cough at night, caused by sinus drainage
recurring ear infections
coughs
from increased pus or discharge in back of throat; a collection of this may cause morning
vomiting.
Chest infections may
occur
The adenoids, play a
special role during childhood… By making antibodies, they help the young child's body
fight respiratory tract infections.
From the time your child is
three until around the age of seven, the adenoids grow so that they can give extra
protection to the lungs and chest. After about the age of eight, they usually begin to
disappear until adolescence when they have usually gone.
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You may have grown up in an
era when removing the adenoids and tonsils was standard practice and may have undergone
one of these procedures yourself. But because doctors now understand more clearly the role
of the adenoids in fighting infection, the chances of your child's undergoing an
adenoidectomy are much more remote… usually limited to the most severe cases.
Causes
The primary reason for
chronic adenoid problems is structural… The adenoids grow so large that they block
the nasal passages. But infection or irritation, perhaps caused by allergies, can also
cause problems by making the adenoids swell. Usually a younger child is more exposed to
infections.
Traditional Treatment
Adenoid problems are
difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can point to any number of conditions and it is
hard to tell even by examination if enlarged adenoids are the cause.
Three types of medicines
may help in treating adenoids
Decongestants -
available over the counter
Antihistamines -
available over the counter
Antibiotics -
available only on prescription.
As a last resort if the
above medications have not helped and alternative therapies have not helped the adenoids
may be removed by a surgeon .
Consult your doctor before
undertaking any medication for the ailment.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative therapists
usually seek an allergy-related cause first. Always take your child to a professional for
evaluation and treatment… At-home care can only alleviate the symptoms. Natural
therapists will also seek to strengthen the immune system with a natural, wholefood diet
enriched with Vitamin C.
Herbal Treatments
- Echinacea is believed to help fight
infection. (Get professional advice for appropriate dosages). Garlic is often helpful as well as other herb cleavers
sometimes in combination with Echinacea to fight infection and inflammation in the
lymphatic system.
Homoeopathic
Remedies - You should get professional advice for remedies appropriate to the
condition as well as to yourself.
The following at home
remedies may alleviate some symptoms, but they will not clear up the underlying condition.
Always seek help from a professional when your child has a chronic problem.
For children with
allergies, reducing or eliminating environmental irritants can make your child more
comfortable. Using a vaporiser may aid the condition
A humidifier may help a
congested child.
An over-the-counter
decongestant may temporarily alleviate stuffiness.
Dietary Considerations
Because chronic adenoid
problems give rise to other problems, you should consult a Health Professional for
remedies and diets appropriate to the condition as well as to your child. Your Pharmacist
will monitor your child's progress and change remedies if they do not bring relief in a
short time.
When to Seek Further
Professional Advice
Left untreated, enlarged
adenoids can lead to chronic sinusitis, and in severe cases, a complaint in which the
child stops breathing for seconds at a time during the night.
If your child is not
breathing properly at night, you notice your child has breathing problems or breathing
through their mouth and if you notice recurrent ear conditions and
infections
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