Adenoiditis - Know More About It!

Adenoiditis: An infection of infection-fighting tissue- most common childhood infection

What is adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the adenoids caused by infection. Adenoids are masses of lymphatic tissue that help the body fight infection.
Adenoids are found in the throat, also called the pharynx, just behind the nose. Along with the tonsils, adenoids are the first line of defence against bacteria and viruses.
If the adenoids become inflamed, they may not perform their function properly.

What are the symptoms of adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis may begin as swelling or enlargement of the adenoids. The swelling may block or restrict your airways. It can also make it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Other problems associated with swollen adenoids include:

• Sounding nasally when speaking, as if you’re talking through your nose
• Sore or dry throat from breathing through the mouth
• Breathing through your mouth becomes more comfortable than breathing through your nose
• Snoring during the night or any time you sleep
• Symptoms of infection, such as a runny nose that produces green or discoloured mucus.

What causes adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis can be caused by a bacterial infection, such as infection with the bacteria streptococcus. It can also be caused by a number of viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.

Who is at risk for adenoiditis?
Certain risk factors can make you susceptible to infections of the adenoidal tissues. These may include:

• Recurring infections in the throat, neck, or head
• Infections of the tonsils
• Contact with airborne viruses, germs, and bacteria
• Children are more susceptible to adenoiditis. This is because adenoids progressively shrink through childhood. By the time you reach your late teen years, your adenoids are generally gone.

Diagnosing adenoiditis -
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist called an otolaryngologist. An otolaryngologist is also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ent) doctor. An ent doctor has specialized training in infections, diseases, and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Your ent will most likely perform a physical examination to determine where the infection is located. They will also ask about your family history to determine if your condition is hereditary.