How to treat inflamed adenoids. What is the danger of enlarged adenoids in children? Acute and chronic form

Adenoids are pathological changes in the pharyngeal tonsil and are manifested by excessive growth. They are pale pink in color and round or irregular in shape, located on a wide base in the arch of the nasopharynx.

Their surface is uneven and looks like a rooster's comb. Inflammation of the adenoids in children most often occurs at 5-10 years of age; at a later age this rarely happens, since in adults the adenoids are atrophied.

In this article we will talk about inflammation of the adenoids in a child and the symptoms of this disease, and also consider the causes and treatment that is used for different stages of adenoids.

Adenoiditis is inflammation of the adenoids, occurring in acute or chronic form. The causative agents of the disease are most often pneumococci, staphylococci (see), streptococci and adenoviruses.

Adenoids can become inflamed for the following reasons:

  1. Genetic predisposition– with an existing hereditary tendency to overgrow adenoids, frequent adenoiditis, disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland, lethargy and apathy are observed.
  2. Pediatric infectious diseases, such as scarlet fever, measles or diphtheria, as well as various viral diseases, are often the reason why a child’s adenoids are inflamed.
  3. Allergic reactions of various etiologies present in the child.
  4. Immunodeficiency states.
  5. Chronic foci of infection that are present in the child’s body.

Note! It is extremely important that adenoiditis is distinguished from adenoid hypertrophy. The fact is that adenoiditis can be successfully treated conservatively, but adenoid hypertrophy quite often leads to the development of complications and requires surgical treatment.

Manifestation of the disease

It is worth noting that inflammation of the adenoids in a child may be accompanied by a different clinical picture, depending on the form of the disease - acute or chronic.

Acute adenoiditis

This disease develops quite quickly, with acute manifestations of symptoms - increased body temperature, cough, and intoxication of the body. When a child's adenoids become inflamed, he complains of pain inside the nose and a headache; in addition, when swallowing, it hurts behind the soft palate, and the pain radiates to the ears and nasal cavity.

In the nasopharynx, a feeling of soreness and tickling appears in the throat, and a dull pain appears in the back of the head. Due to the spread of edema, hearing decreases and pain in the ears appears, nasal breathing is disrupted, and a nasal sound is noted.

In infants, the sucking process is disrupted, the sputum is yellowish-green in color, the posterior palatine arches are hyperemic, the cough is wet and intrusive, and attacks of suffocation similar to subglottic laryngitis may occur.

On examination, redness and swelling of the pharyngeal tonsil, the presence of fibrinous plaque are noted, the grooves are filled with mucopurulent exudate. The occipital, posterior cervical and regional submandibular lymph nodes are sharply painful and enlarged.

The disease lasts on average about 5-7 days and tends to recur. In addition, it can affect the development of complications such as acute otitis media, sinusitis, bronchopneumonia and laryngotracheobronchitis.

Chronic adenoiditis

This form of the disease is a consequence of previously suffered acute adenoiditis. Accompanied by an increase in the size of the pharyngeal tonsil and a gradual increase in symptoms.

At night, mucus and pus entering the throat cause a cough, the presence of chronic inflammation in the nasopharynx causes inflammation of the auditory tube, and as a result, its patency is impaired and hearing decreases. The body temperature is low-grade, there is a headache, sleep disturbances and loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue.

Based on which inflammatory reaction was predominant, chronic adenoiditis is divided into:

  • catarrhal;
  • exudative-serous;
  • mucopurulent;

Taking into account the general state of immunity and the degree of allergization, the following types of disease are distinguished:

  • the allergic component is pronounced;
  • reactions of the humoral immune system predominate;
  • the functional activity of the immune system is not sufficiently expressed.

Depending on how pronounced the local signs of inflammation are and how neighboring areas and organs are affected, the disease is usually divided into compensated, subcompensated and decompensated forms; in addition, adenoiditis can be superficial or lacunar.

Treatment of inflammation of the adenoids

In order to know how to relieve inflammation of the adenoids in a child, it is necessary to undergo diagnosis by an ENT specialist, who will decide on treatment based on the results of the studies obtained.

Instructions for the treatment of adenoiditis are primarily aimed at preserving organs, which means that surgical treatment will be considered only as a last resort for particularly advanced disease or serious complications.

The following methods are used to treat inflammation of the adenoids:

  • antibacterial therapy;
  • detoxification drugs;
  • vasoconstrictor sprays or;
  • use of immunomodulators;
  • intranasal glucocorticoids;
  • vitamin therapy.

In addition, after consultation with a doctor, you can do it yourself by rinsing the nasopharynx and nasal cavity with solutions of medicinal herbs and propolis (see). Irrigate with emulsions of eucalyptus, propolis, and Kalanchoe. The price of these remedies is low, and they effectively help in treating inflammation.

From the photos and videos in this article, we learned about why inflammation of the adenoids occurs, what symptoms it is accompanied by, and what methods are used to treat adenoiditis.

Inflammation of the adenoids, or adenoiditis, is one of the common otolaryngological diseases caused by the addition of an infection to a chronic hypertrophic process in the nasopharyngeal tonsil. In order to understand how to treat this disease, you should know what adenoids are.

Adenoids and adenoiditis

The nasopharyngeal tonsil is a peripheral organ of the immune system, which consists mainly of lymphoid tissue and is included in the lymphatic pharyngeal ring, which prevents the spread of infection (bacteria and viruses) in the body that enters the upper respiratory tract with air. In addition, the amygdala is involved in the process of thermoregulation, ensuring the optimal temperature of inhaled air.

One of the differences between adenoiditis and adenoids is that adenoiditis, especially acute, responds well to therapy and is usually cured within 3-5 days.

Adenoids (adenoid growths, adenoid vegetations) are a pathologically enlarged (hypertrophied) nasopharyngeal tonsil. Often they are detected only at an advanced stage, since in the early stages of their development the symptoms are not pronounced and do not attract attention. Meanwhile, the most effective treatment of pathology is carried out precisely in the early stages of development, so it is important to regularly conduct preventive examinations of the nasopharynx. In the photo and upon examination, the adenoids look like two lumps of loose tissue.

With respiratory diseases, the nasopharyngeal tonsil enlarges, and after recovery it returns to its normal state. However, for a number of reasons, which primarily include childhood, the tonsil does not shrink; the lymphoid tissue remains hypertrophied and is fixed in this state. The peak of adenoid growths occurs at the age of 3–7 years. Enlarged adenoids can also occur in adult patients, but this occurs much less frequently than in children.

The hypertrophied nasopharyngeal tonsil does not cope well with its functions of fighting infection, and very often microorganisms, lingering in the lymphoid tissue, do not die, but develop and cause an inflammatory process in it - this is how adenoiditis develops. In turn, inflammation of the adenoids contributes to even greater hypertrophy of the tonsil, the tissue grows stronger from inflammation to inflammation, and the adenoids progress. A vicious circle is formed - an enlarged tonsil often becomes inflamed, and inflammation contributes to its even greater enlargement.

Frequent adenoiditis indicates the progression of the pathology.

Often, adjacent structures are involved in the inflammatory process - the middle ear (otitis), the Eustachian tube (eustachitis), and the tonsils (tonsillitis).

Symptoms of inflammation of the adenoids in a child

As the adenoids enlarge, they block the lumen of the nasal passages, which causes difficulty in nasal breathing in patients. Based on this feature, there are three stages of adenoid vegetations:

  • 1st degree - the adenoids cover about a third of the height of the nasal passages or vomer;
  • 2nd degree – about half the height of the nasal passages or vomer is blocked;
  • Grade 3 – the nasal passages are almost completely blocked.

At the initial stage of adenoids, nasal breathing is impaired only in a horizontal position of the body, usually this manifests itself at night. The child sleeps with his mouth open, breathes noisily, and sometimes snores. As the pathology progresses, snoring becomes constant, and signs of impaired nasal breathing are present during the daytime. Such children experience prolonged nasal congestion, but there is no snot. The appearance of mucopurulent discharge from the nasal cavity indicates adenoiditis, i.e., the addition of inflammation. The secretions, flowing down the back wall of the pharynx, irritate it, causing a reflex cough. It manifests itself at night or in the morning after waking up, since it is in the lying position that irritation is caused.

If adenoids are a chronic pathology, then adenoiditis can be both acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation of the adenoids in children is accompanied by high temperature (38-39 °C and above), nasal discharge, pain in the ears and nasopharynx, and enlarged regional lymph nodes (cervical, submandibular, occipital).

Often, adjacent structures are involved in the inflammatory process - the middle ear (otitis), the Eustachian tube (eustachitis), and the tonsils (tonsillitis).

Inflammation of the adenoids contributes to even greater hypertrophy of the tonsil, the tissue grows stronger from inflammation to inflammation, the adenoids progress.

Signs of inflammation of the adenoids in a child, when the disease is chronic, are not much different from those with adenoids. Chronic inflammation of the adenoid tissue contributes to its swelling, which further complicates nasal breathing. This leads to drowsiness, fatigue, frequent headaches, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior (the child becomes capricious, whiny, irritable).

Children with chronic adenoiditis often get sick, especially with acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, stomatitis - this is due to the fact that the inflamed nasopharyngeal tonsil performs its functions poorly. In addition, chronically inflamed adenoids themselves are a source of infection in the body, which leads to a weakening of its defenses and contributes to the development of many diseases, in particular, severe forms of allergies (including bronchial asthma), pathologies of the kidneys, joints, etc.

Treatment of inflammation of the adenoids in children

One of the differences between adenoiditis and adenoids is that adenoiditis, especially acute, responds well to therapy and is usually cured within 3-5 days. However, it should be understood that the mere presence of adenoids is a constant risk factor for adenoiditis, therefore, after adenoiditis is cured, it is necessary to begin complex treatment of adenoids.

Drug therapy for adenoiditis involves the use of anti-inflammatory, general antihistamines. If a child has a fever, antipyretics are used - paracetamol or ibuprofen. In case of acute adenoiditis caused by a bacterial pathogen, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which, after establishing the sensitivity of the microflora, are replaced by a targeted antibiotic. In chronic adenoiditis, the pathogen and its sensitivity are first determined, after which, if necessary, antibacterial therapy is carried out.

Signs of inflammation of the adenoids in a child, when the disease is chronic, are not much different from those with adenoids.

The inflammatory focus is sanitized by rinsing the nose with antiseptic solutions, saline solution, after which drugs with vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects are instilled into the nose.

To reduce the inflammatory process and relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, inhalations of anti-inflammatory drugs are carried out 3-4 times a day. It is important to know that in case of acute inflammation, thermal procedures, including steam inhalation, are prohibited; a nebulizer should be used for inhalation.

Dr. Komarovsky, a famous Ukrainian pediatrician, calls for special attention to be paid to the microclimate in the room where the sick child is. The room must be constantly ventilated and the humidity maintained at 50-60% so that the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract does not dry out (drying out makes it vulnerable).

For chronic adenoiditis, physiotherapy demonstrates a good therapeutic effect. Ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) of the nasal cavity, electrophoresis of drugs, laser therapy, and ultra-high frequency therapy (UHF) are used.

The question of performing an operation to remove adenoids is considered only after adenoiditis has been cured. Surgical treatment is indicated for grade 3 adenoids, when the lack of nasal breathing causes prolonged brain hypoxia, which can have serious consequences (changes in the facial skeleton, retardation in mental and physical development), with persistent hearing loss, failure of long-term conservative therapy, etc. Surgery uncomplicated, usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia (sometimes general anesthesia is used). However, since it is practically impossible to completely remove tonsil tissue, surgery does not guarantee relapse if favorable conditions persist.

Video

We offer you to watch a video on the topic of the article.

In the eighties of the last century, the term “frequently ill children” arose in domestic medicine. This is a group of children characterized by a high incidence of ARVI.

Many of the frequently ill children suffer from chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, including adenoiditis (inflammation of the adenoids). This disease disrupts the microbiocenosis of the nasopharynx, as a result of which the child’s body becomes less resistant to respiratory infections.

Inflammation of the adenoids in children: treatment

What is inflammation of the adenoids (adenoiditis)

Adenoids are formations consisting of lymphoid tissue. They are also called pharyngeal tonsils. These areas of the nasopharynx are involved in the production of immunoglobulins. Pharyngeal tonsils are formed during the fetal development of the child, but only after birth they begin to perform a barrier function. This is an essential element of the nasopharynx immune system.

Important! The adenoids receive maximum load between one and three years. At this time, the child’s social circle is expanding, his immune system is faced with a huge number of viruses and bacteria. In this regard, the adenoids begin to increase in size. They reach their largest size at about four to five years, then begin to gradually decrease. In an adult they are barely noticeable.

The adenoids may not cope with their task, as a result of which the child constantly suffers from respiratory diseases. This is also facilitated by the immaturity of the child’s immune system. Constant inflammatory processes in the body also suppress the immune system, creating a vicious circle.

Inflammation of the adenoids in children

As the nasopharyngeal mucosa begins to produce more and more viral-bacterial antigens, the adenoids expand. The diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy is made when there is a pathological increase in adenoid tissue, affecting the condition of the nasopharynx and middle ear cavity. In this case, the adenoids impair breathing and become reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci linger on their surface. All these microorganisms can cause respiratory diseases.

Acute and chronic form

Acute adenoiditis is an inflammatory process in the adenoids, which is associated with infection of the nasopharynx. This disease usually lasts no more than one month.

Chronic adenoiditis develops due to disruption of immune processes in the pharyngeal tonsils. Chronic inflammation of the adenoids is considered to be inflammation that lasts more than two months in a row and repeats several times during the year. There are no strict criteria separating acute and chronic forms of adenoiditis in modern science.

Adenoiditis prevents a child from leading a full life. A sick child experiences difficulty breathing through the nose, often coughs and blows his nose, acquires the habit of breathing through the mouth, and his speech becomes nasal.

Adenoid face

Important! In advanced cases, children develop an “adenoid face.” Its distinctive features are swelling of the face, circles under the eyes, a slightly open mouth, and a shortened upper lip. Regular inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils can lead to recurring otitis media. One of the most dangerous complications is hearing loss.

Causes of adenoid hypertrophy

The most common cause of acute inflammation of the adenoids is infection (most often viral). If a child has chronic adenoiditis, identifying the leading factor may be difficult.

Factors that can provoke inflammation and hypertrophy of the adenoids include:

allergy; high viral load; unfavorable environmental situation; reduced immunity; pathogenic microflora in the nasal cavity and larynx; poor ventilation of the nasopharynx.

Causes of development of pathology of the pharyngeal tonsil

Typically, children with chronic adenoid hypertrophy experience frequent episodes of acute respiratory viral diseases. An increased load of viral antigens upsets the balance of the immune system, as a result the child cannot get out of the vicious circle of diseases.

The mechanism of the negative effect of viruses on adenoids is based on the property of the virus to disrupt the integrity of the epithelium of the tonsil, which causes the formation of vulnerable areas. The more often a child gets sick, the weaker his nasopharynx resists infections.

Attention! Allergies often cause the development of chronic inflammation of the adenoids. Allergic reactions in the mucous membrane of the adenoids trigger the process of tissue proliferation and inflammation. Children usually suffer from exposure to household irritants (bed mites, molds, dust).

What causes inflammation of the adenoids

The environmental situation also affects the barrier properties of the nasopharynx. Children living in large industrial centers suffer from adenoiditis more often than residents of rural areas.

Symptoms

Adenoid hypertrophy is one of the common causes of difficulty breathing through the nose. Problems with nasal breathing manifest themselves in the form of the following symptoms:

breathing through the mouth; night snoring; nasal voice; mucous discharge from the nose.

Impaired breathing in a horizontal position over time leads to such a dangerous pathology as obstructive sleep apnea. “Normal” snoring also cannot be considered a harmless phenomenon, since it indicates difficulty in the functioning of the respiratory system during sleep. Over time, the child begins to have sleep disorders, memory and the ability to concentrate are impaired.

In addition, switching to mouth breathing reduces the protective properties of the nasopharynx. With this type of breathing, the airways are exposed to cold, irritating particles, bacteria and viruses.

Consequences of adenoids

Inflammation of the adenoids can also manifest itself as a cough. Mucus from the inflamed adenoids passes into the larynx and onto the vocal cords, as a result the child coughs reflexively. Antitussive therapy does not help in this case.

Treatment methods

Modern medicine has not developed an ideal method for treating adenoiditis. Children are treated conservatively or surgically. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages: delaying drug therapy can worsen the child’s condition, and surgery carries the risk of complications.

Attention! Adenoiditis is not always an indication for surgery. The otorhinolaryngologist chooses a treatment method based on several factors. It takes into account whether the child has dangerous complications of adenoiditis (otitis media, sleep apnea, and others) and how much the enlarged adenoids impair respiratory function.

There are no strict standards in the treatment of adenoiditis. Regardless of the cause of the disease, it must be complex.

Methods of conservative treatment of pharyngeal tonsil pathology

Conservative treatment of adenoid hypertrophy includes the following areas:

washing and irrigation of the nasopharynx; anti-inflammatory therapy; antibiotic therapy; immunotherapy; phytotherapy; homeopathic therapy; physiotherapy.

During periods of acute respiratory viral infection, treatment of adenoiditis should be symptomatic. Usually it is necessary to use a large volume of medications and procedures, and this is fraught with a number of side effects.

Medicines

The main goal of treating adenoiditis is anti-inflammatory therapy. The most effective anti-inflammatory drugs include glucocorticoid drugs. An example of such a product is a nasal spray Mometasone furoate, which can be used in the treatment of adenoiditis in children and adults.

Drugs for the treatment of adenoids

Antibacterial therapy is in second place in importance. Bacterial microflora often plays a leading role in the exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the adenoids. In uncomplicated forms of the disease, taking antibiotics orally is not advisable; preference is given to drugs for topical use. Topical antibacterial agents in the form of nasal sprays are widely used: Isofra, Polydex and with phenylephrine.

The composition of Isofra spray is directed against the most common bacteria that cause chronic inflammation of the adenoids. It is highly safe and can be used in the treatment of newborns. The duration of therapy should not exceed seven days.

Polydexa with phenylephrine combines an antibacterial component and glucocorticoids, thanks to which this spray quickly relieves inflammation. It can be used as monotherapy in the first days of ARVI development. This drug can be used for no more than 7-10 days. It is not suitable for children under 2.5 years of age.

Drugs for the treatment of adenoids. Part 2

In domestic pediatrics, a silver solution is used ( Protargol), used as nasal drops. It is effective in treating diseases of the nose and pharynx, has an astringent effect, and eliminates swelling. The medicine helps reduce the overgrown tissue of the pharyngeal tonsils and the amount of mucus secreted.

In addition, silver has antiseptic properties, so the use of this product helps reduce the number of other drugs. Protargol should be used for five to seven days.

Aerosols and sprays for the treatment of adenoids

Nasal rinsing

Children suffering from inflammation of the adenoids are prescribed hygienic procedures for the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, which must be carried out daily. They consist of rinsing the nose and throat with an isotonic saline solution or a solution of mineral salts of sea water. The procedure must be repeated at least two to three times a day.

This type of therapy makes it possible to eliminate a significant number of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and irritating particles from the mucous surface of the nose and pharynx. Thus, the main cause of inflammation is eliminated. During an exacerbation of the disease, the nose should be washed at least five to six times a day.

For home use, pharmacies offer the following products:

Salin; Aqua Maris; Aqualor; Dolphin; Physiometer.

Method of rinsing the nose with Aqualor for children and adults

Most of these products consist of sterile sea water. The exceptions are preparations such as Dolphin - this is sea salt that needs to be diluted with water and Salin - this is a soda-based solution. Along with the medicine, the consumer receives a simple nasal rinsing device.

Important! In children under five years of age, the procedure should be carried out with extreme caution, since at this age the Eustachian tube is very short and wide. Fluid containing mucus and pus from the nasopharynx can enter the middle ear and cause otitis media. The child should blow out the contents of the nose well.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

There is a wide range of physiotherapeutic procedures that are effective in treating adenoiditis:

medicinal electrophoresis; UHF therapy; darsonval therapy; Ural Federal District; SMV procedures; EHF procedures; ultrasound therapy; laser treatment; inductothermy. Surgical method

If Soviet doctors knew only one technique of adenotomy, which implied the most radical intervention, then in modern surgery there is a variety of techniques.

Experts are inclined to believe that it is necessary to take into account the physiological role of the adenoids and not remove them completely. With partial adenotomy, adenoid tissue is only partially removed. This helps restore the child's nasal breathing in a less traumatic way.

Adenotomy

Removal of adenoids is possible under general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia is more preferable, as it allows you to completely immobilize the child and perform the operation using an endoscope. Modern surgeons have the opportunity to visually control the surgical field; the “blind” method is used less and less.

The uniform international standard for this operation includes the use of general anesthesia and an image-guided method of intervention. Local anesthesia is used extremely rarely, as it does not protect the child from a stress reaction.

The techniques and instruments for adenotomy are varied:

radio wave devices; cold plasma coagulation; laser therapy; Shaver systems.

No type of operation guarantees that adenoid tissue will not grow again. With any method of surgical intervention, complications are possible: scalping of pharyngeal tissue, injury to the soft palate, bleeding.

Video - Adenoids

To delete or not to delete?

Parents of a child suffering from chronic adenoiditis often encounter conflicting opinions from doctors. Some experts insist on removing the adenoids, while others suggest limiting ourselves to conservative therapy.

The main arguments for and against adenotomy:

The operation gives results if conservative therapy is powerless against adenoiditis of the second and third degrees Removal of adenoids is contraindicated if the child has asthmatic disorders (during remission of bronchial asthma, surgery is possible)
Adenotomy helps preserve the life and health of a child when the disease has caused cardiac disorders, sleep apnea, or purulent otitis media. By adenotomy, the source of infection can be eliminated, but the child’s body will still be susceptible to infections
Removal of adenoids allows a child to quickly restore nasal breathing Lymphoid tissues may grow again after surgery
Modern surgery allows for gentle intervention. Classic “blind” adenotomy, with a high risk of complications, is becoming a thing of the past Possible complications of the operation: bleeding, sepsis, injuries to the pharynx and soft palate, stress in the child

Video - Adenoiditis

Prevention

To prevent inflammation of the adenoids, it is necessary to introduce a number of general hygiene measures into the child’s family.

Organize the child's daily routine. Lack of sleep, overwork, lack of walks in the fresh air - all this negatively affects the immune system. Change your child's diet towards a more balanced diet. Eliminate allergenic foods, reduce the amount of carbohydrate foods. Carry out hardening procedures (cool shower, therapeutic exercises, sleep in the fresh air). Develop in your child the habit of hygienic procedures - rinsing the nose, gargling after eating.

The doctor may also prescribe vitamin-mineral complexes, immunomodulators and homeopathic remedies aimed at preventing ARVI.

Chronic inflammation of the adenoids is dangerous because this pathology impairs breathing. Lack of oxygen negatively affects the general condition of the body. In addition, inflamed adenoids serve as a reservoir for viral and bacterial pathogens. In most cases, the problem can be eliminated by conservative treatment.

A common reason for contacting a pediatric otolaryngologist is hypertrophy and inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsil. According to statistics, this disease accounts for about 50% of all diseases of the ENT organs in children of preschool and primary school age. Depending on the severity, it can lead to difficulty or even complete absence of nasal breathing in a child, frequent inflammation of the middle ear, hearing loss and other serious consequences. To treat adenoids, medications, surgical methods and physical therapy are used.

Pharyngeal tonsil and its functions Causes of the appearance of adenoids Degrees of adenoids Symptoms of adenoids Methods for diagnosing adenoids Treatment Drug treatment Folk remedies Physiotherapy Adenotomy Complications of adenoids Prevention

Pharyngeal tonsil and its functions

Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue localized in the nasopharynx and oral cavity. There are 6 of them in the human body: paired - palatine and tubal (2 pieces each), unpaired - lingual and pharyngeal. Together with lymphoid granules and lateral ridges on the posterior wall of the pharynx, they form a lymphatic pharyngeal ring surrounding the entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts. The pharyngeal tonsil, the pathological growth of which is called adenoids, is attached at its base to the posterior wall of the nasopharynx at the point where the nasal cavity exits into the oral cavity. Unlike the palatine tonsils, it is not possible to see it without special equipment.

Tonsils are part of the immune system and perform a barrier function, preventing further penetration of pathogenic agents into the body. They form lymphocytes - cells responsible for humoral and cellular immunity.

In newborns and children in the first months of life, the tonsils are underdeveloped and do not function properly. Later, under the influence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and toxins constantly attacking the small organism, the active development of all structures of the lymphatic pharyngeal ring begins. In this case, the pharyngeal tonsil is formed more actively than others, which is due to its location at the very beginning of the respiratory tract, in the zone of the body’s first contact with antigens. The folds of its mucous membrane thicken, lengthen, and take on the appearance of ridges separated by grooves. It reaches full development by 2–3 years.

As the immune system develops and antibodies accumulate after 9–10 years, the pharyngeal lymphatic ring undergoes uneven reverse development. The size of the tonsils decreases significantly; the pharyngeal tonsil often completely atrophies, and their protective function is transferred to the receptors of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Causes of adenoids

The growth of adenoids occurs gradually. The most common cause of this phenomenon is frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and others). Each contact of the body with infection occurs with the active participation of the pharyngeal tonsil, which at the same time increases slightly in size. After recovery, when the inflammation passes, it returns to its original state. If during this period (2-3 weeks) the child falls ill again, then, not having time to return to its original size, the amygdala enlarges again, but larger. This leads to constant inflammation and growth of lymphoid tissue.

In addition to frequent acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the following factors contribute to the occurrence of adenoids:

hereditary predisposition; childhood infectious diseases (measles, rubella, scarlet fever, influenza, diphtheria, whooping cough); severe pregnancy and childbirth (viral infections in the first trimester, leading to abnormalities in the development of the internal organs of the fetus, taking antibiotics and other harmful drugs, fetal hypoxia, birth injuries); poor nutrition and overfeeding of the child (excess sweets, eating food with preservatives, stabilizers, dyes, flavors); tendency to allergies; weakened immunity due to chronic infections; unfavorable environment (gases, dust, household chemicals, dry air).

Children aged 3 to 7 years who attend children's groups and have constant contact with various infections are at risk of developing adenoids. In a small child, the airways are quite narrow and in the case of even slight swelling or enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil, they can completely block and make breathing through the nose difficult or impossible. In older children, the incidence of this disease decreases sharply, because after 7 years the tonsils begin to atrophy, and the size of the nasopharynx, on the contrary, increases. Adenoids no longer interfere with breathing and cause discomfort.

Adenoid grades

Depending on the size of the adenoids, three degrees of the disease are distinguished:

1st degree - the adenoids are small, covering no more than a third of the upper part of the nasopharynx, problems with nasal breathing in children occur only at night when the body is in a horizontal position; 2nd degree - significant enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil, blocking the lumen of the nasopharynx by about half, nasal breathing in children is difficult both day and night; 3rd degree - adenoids occupy almost the entire lumen of the nasopharynx, the child is forced to breathe through the mouth around the clock.

Symptoms of adenoids

The most important and obvious sign by which parents can suspect adenoids in children is regular difficulty breathing through the nose and nasal congestion in the absence of any discharge from it. To confirm the diagnosis, the child should be shown to an otolaryngologist.

Characteristic symptoms of adenoids in children are:

sleep disturbance, the child sleeps lightly with his mouth open, wakes up, may cry in his sleep; snoring, snoring, holding your breath and attacks of suffocation during sleep; dry mouth and dry cough in the morning; change in voice timbre, nasal speech; headache; frequent rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis; decreased appetite; hearing loss, ear pain, frequent otitis due to blockage of the canal connecting the nasopharynx and the ear cavity; lethargy, fatigue, irritability, moodiness.

Against the background of adenoids, children develop a complication such as adenoiditis, or inflammation of the hypertrophied pharyngeal tonsil, which can be acute or chronic. In acute cases, it is accompanied by fever, pain and a burning sensation in the nasopharynx, weakness, nasal congestion, runny nose, mucopurulent discharge, and enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

Methods for diagnosing adenoids

If you suspect adenoids in children, you should contact an ENT specialist. Diagnosis of the disease includes taking an anamnesis and instrumental examination. To assess the degree of adenoids, the condition of the mucosa, the presence or absence of an inflammatory process, the following methods are used: pharyngoscopy, anterior and posterior rhinoscopy, endoscopy, radiography.

Pharyngoscopy consists of examining the pharyngeal cavity, pharynx and tonsils, which are also sometimes hypertrophied in children with adenoids.

During anterior rhinoscopy, the doctor carefully examines the nasal passages, expanding them with a special nasal speculum. To analyze the condition of the adenoids with this method, the child is asked to swallow or say the word “lamp”, while the soft palate contracts, which causes the adenoids to vibrate.

Posterior rhinoscopy is an examination of the nasopharynx and adenoids through the oropharynx using a nasopharyngeal speculum. The method is highly informative, allows you to assess the size and condition of the adenoids, however, in children it can cause a gag reflex and quite unpleasant sensations, which will interfere with the examination.

The most modern and informative examination of adenoids is endoscopy. One of its advantages is its clarity: it allows parents to see their children’s adenoids on the screen. When performing endoscopy, the degree of adenoid vegetations and blockage of the nasal passages and auditory tubes, the reason for their enlargement, the presence of edema, pus, mucus, and the condition of neighboring organs are determined. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, as the doctor must insert a long tube 2–4 mm thick with a camera at the end into the nasal passage, which causes unpleasant and painful sensations in the child.

Radiography, like digital examination, is currently practically not used to diagnose adenoids. It is harmful to the body, does not give an idea of ​​why the pharyngeal tonsil is enlarged, and can cause an incorrect assessment of the degree of its hypertrophy. Pus or mucus that has accumulated on the surface of the adenoids will appear exactly the same as the adenoids themselves in the image, which will mistakenly increase their size.

If hearing impairment is detected in children and frequent otitis media, the doctor examines the ear cavity and sends for an audiogram.

To truly assess the extent of adenoids, diagnosis must be carried out during a period when the child is healthy or at least 2-3 weeks have passed since recovery from the last illness (cold, acute respiratory viral infection, etc.).

Treatment

The treatment tactics for adenoids in children are determined by their degree, the severity of symptoms, and the development of complications in the child. Medication, physical therapy, or surgery (adenotomy) may be used.

Drug treatment

Treatment of adenoids with drugs is effective for the first, and less often, the second degree of adenoids, when their size is not too large, and there are no pronounced disturbances in free nasal breathing. In the third degree, it is carried out only if the child has contraindications to surgical removal of the adenoids.

Drug therapy is aimed at relieving inflammation, swelling, eliminating a runny nose, cleansing the nasal cavity, and strengthening the immune system. The following groups of drugs are used for this:

vasoconstrictor drops (galazolin, farmazolin, naphthyzin, rinazolin, sanorin and others); antihistamines (diazolin, suprastin, loratadine, Erius, Zyrtec, fenistil); anti-inflammatory hormonal nasal sprays (Flix, Nasonex); local antiseptics, nasal drops (protargol, collargol, albucid); saline solutions for clearing snot and moisturizing the nasal cavity (Aquamaris, Marimer, Quix, Humer, Nazomarin); means to strengthen the body (vitamins, immunostimulants).

The enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil in some children is not due to its growth, but to swelling caused by an allergic reaction of the body in response to certain allergens. Then, to restore its normal size, only local and systemic use of antihistamines is necessary.

Sometimes doctors can prescribe homeopathic medicines for children to treat adenoids. In most cases, their use is effective only with long-term use in the first stage of the disease and for preventive purposes. With the second and even more so the third degree of adenoids, they, as a rule, do not bring any results. For adenoids, granules of the drugs “IOV-Malysh” and “Adenosan”, “Thuya-GF” oil, and “Euphorbium Compositum” nasal spray are usually prescribed.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for adenoids can only be used after consultation with a doctor in the initial stages of the disease, which are not accompanied by any complications. The most effective of them are rinsing the nasal cavity with a solution of sea salt or herbal decoctions of oak bark, chamomile and calendula flowers, and eucalyptus leaves, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent effects.

When using medicinal herbs, it should be taken into account that they can provoke an allergic reaction in children, which will further aggravate the course of the disease.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for adenoids is used in conjunction with drug treatment to increase its effectiveness.

Most often, children are prescribed laser therapy. The standard course of treatment consists of 10 sessions. It is recommended to take 3 courses per year. Low-intensity laser radiation helps reduce swelling and inflammation, normalizes nasal breathing, and has an antibacterial effect. Moreover, it extends not only to the adenoids, but also to the tissues surrounding them.

In addition to laser therapy, ultraviolet irradiation and UHF on the nasal area, ozone therapy, and electrophoresis with drugs can be used.

Breathing exercises, spa treatment, climatic therapy, and seaside holidays are also useful for children with adenoids.

Video: Treatment of adenoiditis with home remedies

Adenotomy

Removal of adenoids is the most effective treatment method for third-degree hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil, when the child’s quality of life significantly deteriorates due to the lack of nasal breathing. The operation is carried out strictly according to indications in a planned manner under anesthesia in the inpatient conditions of the ENT department of a children's hospital. It does not take much time, and if there are no postoperative complications, the child is sent home on the same day.

Indications for adenotomy are:

ineffectiveness of long-term drug therapy; inflammation of the adenoids up to 4 times a year; absence or significant difficulty in nasal breathing; recurrent inflammation of the middle ear; hearing impairment; chronic sinusitis; stopping breathing during night sleep; deformation of the skeleton of the face and chest.

Adenotomy is contraindicated if the child has:

congenital anomalies of the hard and soft palate; increased tendency to bleed; blood diseases; severe cardiovascular pathologies; inflammatory process in the adenoids.

The operation is not performed during influenza epidemics and within a month after a routine vaccination.

Currently, thanks to the advent of short-acting general anesthesia, adenotomy for children is almost always performed under general anesthesia, which avoids the psychological trauma that the child receives when performing the procedure under local anesthesia.

The modern endoscopic technique for removing adenoids is low-traumatic, has a minimum of complications, allows the child to return to a normal lifestyle within a short time, and minimizes the likelihood of relapse. To prevent complications in the postoperative period it is necessary:

Take medications prescribed by your doctor (vasoconstrictor and astringent nasal drops, antipyretics and painkillers). Limit physical activity for two weeks. Do not eat hot food with a hard consistency. Do not take baths for 3-4 days. Avoid exposure to open sun. Do not visit crowded places and children's groups.

Video: How adenotomy is performed

Complications of adenoids

In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, adenoids in a child, especially grades 2 and 3, lead to the development of complications. Among them:

chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract; increased risk of acute respiratory infections; deformation of the maxillofacial skeleton (“adenoid face”); hearing impairment caused by the adenoids blocking the opening of the auditory tube in the nose and impaired ventilation in the middle ear; abnormal development of the chest; frequent catarrhal and purulent otitis media; speech disorders.

Adenoids can cause retardation in mental and physical development due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain due to problems with nasal breathing.

Prevention

Prevention of adenoids is especially important for children who are prone to allergies or have a hereditary predisposition to the occurrence of this disease. According to pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky, to prevent hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil, it is very important to give the child time to restore its size after suffering from acute respiratory infections. To do this, after the symptoms of the disease disappear and the child’s well-being improves, you should not take the child to kindergarten the very next day, but you should stay at home for at least another week and during this period actively walk in the fresh air.

Measures to prevent adenoids include playing sports that promote the development of the respiratory system (swimming, tennis, athletics), daily walks, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels in the apartment. It is important to eat foods rich in vitamins and microelements.

Video: Pediatrician Komarovsky E. O. on the treatment and prevention of adenoids in children

Adenoids are the pharyngeal tonsil, which is located in the human nasopharynx; it performs the most important functions in the body - it produces lymphocytes, immune cells that protect the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx from infections.

When a pathological enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsil occurs, this disease in medicine is called adenoid hypertrophy, and when they become inflamed, it is called adenoiditis. Enlargement and inflammation of the adenoids occurs in children aged 3-10 years; according to statistics, 5-8% of children suffer from this disease, and both girls and boys with the same frequency.

With age, the incidence rate decreases; sometimes this disease occurs in adults, but much less frequently. If adenoids appear in children, the symptoms can be determined by difficulty breathing freely through the nose, the child begins to often suffer from colds and viral diseases, snores at night, the voice becomes nasal, otitis media often occurs, developmental delays, malocclusion, slurred speech, and hearing impairment. Even after surgical removal of adenoids, their regrowth is possible.

What are adenoids?

The nasopharyngeal tonsil is adenoids that enter the pharyngeal ring and are located at the junction of the pharynx and nose. In adults, adenoids most often have tiny sizes or even atrophy. But in children, lymphoid formations are very well developed, since the fragile immune system in childhood functions with increased load, trying to respond as much as possible to attacks of all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Through the nasopharynx, a great variety of different pathogenic microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi - penetrate into the human body along with air, food, and water, and the nasopharyngeal tonsil prevents their deep penetration and protects against the proliferation of microbes in the respiratory tract.

Causes of adenoids in children

The growth of adenoids in children is promoted by:

Hereditary predisposition

in a child to the proliferation of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, to this immune pathology, which is also called lymphatic diathesis or lymphatism.

This deviation is caused by a lymphatic-hypoplastic anomaly of the constitution, that is, disturbances in the structure of the lymphatic and endocrine systems.

Therefore, with such a pathology, a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland often manifests itself, then, in addition to adenoids in children, the symptoms are complemented by lethargy, swelling, apathy and a tendency to be overweight.

Pathology of pregnancy and childbirth

Doctors also see the cause of adenoids in children as birth trauma of the baby, pathological pregnancy, fetal hypoxia or asphyxia during childbirth. It is also important what the mother’s 1st trimester of pregnancy was like; viral diseases suffered by the mother during the period 7-9 weeks of pregnancy, taking antibiotics, toxic medications at any period of gestation are especially unfavorable.

Feeding, vaccinations, diseases

Also, the enlargement of adenoids in children is influenced by the nature of feeding an infant, vaccinations and various diseases at an early age, as well as overeating and abuse of sweet and chemical foods.

Against the background of childhood infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, measles (see symptoms of measles in children), whooping cough, diphtheria, secondary inflammation and growth of adenoids in a child is possible. Frequent ARVI and other viruses, and the contamination of the adenoids with various pathogenic bacteria have a toxic effect on the adenoids. The presence of allergic reactions in the family history and in the child in particular. Immunodeficiency state in a child. The general unfavorable environmental situation in the place of residence is polluted, gassed, dusty air, an abundance of household chemicals in the house, low-quality furniture and toxic plastic products in everyday life.

Signs and symptoms of adenoids in children

Why is it important to distinguish adenoid hypertrophy from adenoiditis?

It is very important for mothers to distinguish between these two pathologies, why? In case of adenoiditis, when the nasopharyngeal tonsil becomes inflamed several times, many doctors recommend that parents remove it, but this can be successfully treated with conservative methods. But when hypertrophy of the nasopharyngeal tonsil occurs to a significant (third) degree, which is not amenable to conservative treatment and causes complications, this pathology most often should be treated surgically.

Symptoms of adenoids in children - hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil

Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose, constant runny nose, serous nasal discharge, the child constantly or periodically breathes through the mouth.

The child most often sleeps with his mouth open, his sleep becomes restless, with snoring, snoring, and obstructive apnea syndrome - holding his breath during sleep. Therefore, children may often have nightmares, and attacks of suffocation may occur due to the retraction of the root of the tongue.

Due to the proliferation of the tonsil, breathing problems are aggravated, since congestive hyperemia of nearby soft tissues occurs - the soft palate, posterior palatine arches, and nasal mucosa. Therefore, chronic rhinitis and frequent coughs develop due to the flow of mucus from the nose along the back wall of the nasopharynx.

Frequent inflammation of the hearing organs occurs - otitis media, hearing impairment, since the openings of the auditory tubes are blocked by overgrown adenoids.

Frequent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses - sinusitis, as well as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. The appearance of an adenoid type of face, that is, a violation of the development of the facial skeleton - an indifferent facial expression appears, the mouth is constantly slightly open. In cases of prolonged progression of the disease, the lower jaw lengthens and becomes narrow, and the bite is also disturbed.

The growth of adenoid tissue gradually affects the breathing mechanism, since breathing through the mouth is somewhat superficial, and nasal breathing is deeper, then prolonged breathing through the mouth gradually leads to insufficient ventilation of the lungs and oxygen starvation, brain hypoxia.

Therefore, the child’s memory and mental abilities often decrease, attention wanders, and unmotivated fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability appear. Children complain of periodic headaches and do poorly at school.

Long-term hypertrophy of the adenoids due to a decrease in the depth of inspiration leads to disruption of the formation of the chest, the so-called chicken breast appears.

With adenoids in children, symptoms of the disease may also include anemia, gastrointestinal disturbances - appetite decreases, constipation and diarrhea are possible.

Symptoms of adenoiditis in children Against the background of enlarged adenoids, adenoiditis often occurs, while the adenoids become inflamed, the temperature rises, weakness appears, and regional lymph nodes become enlarged. Sometimes adenoiditis appears only during an acute respiratory viral infection, then nasal breathing becomes impaired, mucous discharge from the nose and other symptoms of an acute viral infection appear. In this case, after recovery, the adenoids decrease in size.

There are three degrees of adenoids in children - hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil

Adenoids in children can be enlarged to varying degrees; it is customary to divide hypertrophy into 3 degrees. Doctors in other developed countries also distinguish grade 4 adenoids, dividing grades 3 and 4 into an almost blocked nasopharynx and a 100% closed posterior opening of the nasal passages. This division into degrees is determined by radiologists, since the size of the adenoids is easiest to see in the image - the shadow of the adenoids is visible in the lumen of the nasopharynx:

1st degree - when the growth covers 1/3 of the posterior opening of the nasal passages or choana. In this case, the child experiences difficulty breathing only during sleep, and even if he snores and breathes poorly through his nose, with this degree of adenoids there is no talk of removing the adenoids; most likely, this is a prolonged runny nose, which can be treated with conservative methods. 1-2 degrees - when the adenoids occupy from 1/3 to half of the lumen of the nasopharynx. 2nd degree - when the child’s adenoids cover 66% of the lumen of the nasopharynx. This causes the child to snore and periodically breathe through the mouth even during the day, without speaking clearly. It is also not considered an indication for surgery. 3rd degree - when the pharyngeal tonsil closes almost the entire lumen of the nasopharynx. In this case, the child cannot breathe through his nose either at night or during the day. If the child sometimes breathes through his nose, this is not grade 3, but an accumulation of mucus that can occupy the entire nasopharynx.

Treatment options for adenoids in children

There are 2 main options for treating adenoids in children - surgical removal and conservative. More information about whether it is worth agreeing to surgery to remove adenoids and about methods of drug treatment can be found in our article - Treatment of adenoids in children

Conservative, non-surgical treatment of adenoids is the most correct, priority direction in the treatment of hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil. Before agreeing to surgery, parents should use all possible treatment options to avoid surgery:

Drug therapy for adenoids consists primarily of thoroughly removing mucus, discharge from the nose and nasopharynx. Only after cleansing can local medications be used, since the abundance of mucus significantly reduces the effectiveness of therapy. Laser therapy - today this method is considered very effective, and most doctors consider it safe, although no one knows the long-term consequences of laser exposure, and no long-term studies have been carried out in the field of its use. Laser therapy reduces swelling of lymphoid tissue, increases local immunity, and reduces the inflammatory process in adenoid tissue. Homeopathic remedies are the safest method of treatment, the effectiveness of which is very individual; homeopathy helps some children very well, while for others it is poorly effective. In any case, it should be used, since it is safe and can be combined with traditional treatment. It is especially recommended to take Lymphomyosot, a complex homeopathic medicine produced by the well-known German company Heel, and thuja oil for adenoids is considered a very effective remedy. Climatotherapy - treatment in sanatoriums of the Crimea, Stavropol Territory, Sochi has a positive effect on the entire body, improves immunity and helps reduce the proliferation of adenoids. Massage of the collar area, face, breathing exercises are part of the complex treatment of adenoids in children. Physiotherapy is ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis, UHF - procedures that are prescribed by the doctor endonasally, usually 10 procedures each.

Surgical treatment of adenoids is possible only in the following cases: If all conservative treatment has not been effective and adenoiditis recurs more than 4 times a year, if complications develop, such as otitis media, sinusitis, if the child experiences frequent stops or pauses in breathing during sleep, frequent ARVI and other infectious diseases. You should beware of laser removal of adenoids, since there is a possibility of a negative effect of the laser on the brain and tissues surrounding the adenoid.

anonymous, Male, 5 years old

Hello, Ivan Vasilievich! In March 2015, my son, at the age of 4.5 years, underwent an adenotomy (enlarged adenoids grade 2-3 according to endoscopy with hearing impairment). There were frequent acute respiratory infections, 3 otitis media, and night snoring. During the day I always breathed through my nose. After the operation, night snoring, although less pronounced, persisted for 4 months, they even did a CT scan, the conclusion was without pathology. Then it went away, but the pain was only a little less frequent. For a year - 3 or 4 courses of Avamis, during periods of illness, rinsing the nose with saline, with profuse snot - with Dolphin. A month ago, after an exacerbation after a month of avamis (snot flowed down the back wall for a long time), I was diagnosed with grade 1 adenoids. On May 16, I fell ill - 2 days of clear snot in a stream (immediately Viferon and Tantum Verde), on the third day - thick yellow-green snot (started Polydex). On the third day, the polydex snot became light in color, and its quantity gradually decreased. On the 7th day of polydex, my ears ached, severe weakness, temperature 37.5. We started Otipax, Avamys, Nazivin. My ears hurt for 1 day, there was no more fever. From the next day, my hearing decreased greatly, I began to snore heavily at night and during the day I began to breathe only through my mouth (all this has not gone away with the above treatment for 3 days). Even before the operation, we never had mouth breathing during the day, I was just in a panic. He speaks as if something is preventing him from breathing. Snoring even when standing, if you breathe through your nose! Snot flows down the back wall, the color is yellow-green. I instill saline solution, but I can’t rinse it with Dolphin - it doesn’t flow from one nostril to the other. How to treat in this case? Thank you very much in advance.

Difficulty in nasal breathing due to purulent rhinitis or rhinosinusitis is not uncommon, but this has nothing to do with the relapse of adenoids. Most likely, pus simply accumulates on the roof of the nasopharynx, which leads to the fact that you cannot even rinse your nose with Dolphin. You can cope with the situation by using antibiotic drops in the nose (preferably eye drops - for example). They will have to be dripped so that they fall into the nasopharynx - with the child lying on his back with his head thrown back. This should be done three times a day, drop 5-6 drops into each half of the nose

anonymously

Hello. Thank you very much for your answer. After my question, my son was diagnosed with right-sided otitis media; he took 7.5 ml of sumamed, otipax, candymicin, and rhinofluimucil for 7 days. The snoring almost went away, but his hearing was not completely restored. Audio and tympanometry were performed. The doctor said that the hearing loss is slight and functional. Diagnosis: right-sided exudative otitis media and bilateral eustachitis. I need to relieve the swelling of the nose. I prescribed Avamys, after 3 days I began to sniffle harder and the ENT specialist prescribed complex drops - dioxidine, dexamethasone and Nazivin for 7 days. Along with these drops, I began to drip a decoction of horsetail. I kept dripping while lying down with my head thrown back. On the 7th day, breathing became completely free, hearing was almost completely restored. The ENT showed right-sided eustachitis, the eardrum was still slightly retracted. After this, treatment was canceled. After 2 days I began to sniffle a little at night, and by the 5th day I was almost snoring. I started dripping Sofradex and continue horsetail. After instillation, the child has a strong short-term burning sensation in the nose and eyes and the eyes are watery. Both from Sofradex and from horsetail, although horsetail was dripped a week before, there was no such thing. I’ve been taking sofradex for 2 days, until the snoring and mucus gradually increase. Please tell me, is the burning sensation normal and how much to drip Sofradex? Are we on the right track? Since May 16, the child has not yet fully recovered. For the last few days I have been giving half a tablet of Cetrin, because... I quietly ate 250 g of apple jam one day, and 150 g of strawberries the next day. I don’t notice any allergies with moderate amounts of sweets, but the pediatrician always prescribes antihistamines for us when we are sick, because Mom is allergic.

The topic in pediatric visceral otolaryngology - “” does not reduce the topicality rating. And, unfortunately, the pace of discussion is increasingly gaining momentum both in the medical community and throughout society. This concerns solving practical issues, as well as creating new, innovative treatment methods in a theoretical aspect. The problem of adenoid vegetation in children is finally becoming acute and of concern to the parent audience.

We suggest going through popular queries on the Internet, which we present in the form of headings of information context sections, in this article:

  1. Signs of inflammation of the adenoids in a child;
  2. Causes of inflammation of the adenoids in children.

The remaining questions that parents most often bring up when searching for social services. networks are compiled into an unnumbered list of keyword queries. They will be included in a separate section, which is compiled in the “Question and Answer” format:

  • “How to relieve inflammation of the adenoids in a child?”;
  • “The child’s adenoids are inflamed, what should I do?”;
  • “A child’s adenoids are inflamed, how to treat?”

Signs of inflammation of the adenoids in a child: dangerous/non-dangerous symptoms

“Adenoid vegetation”, “Adenoid proliferation of nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue, which makes up the adenoids in the nose and tonsils.” With this special medical terminology, pediatric pediatricians in the field of ENT diseases (otolaryngology) designate the disease that parents know as “inflamed adenoids, tonsils” in children.

Which signs started inflammation of the adenoids in the nose The child has, treating pediatric otolaryngologists treat and consider an alarming pathology? And which ones are classified as standard parameters of adenoid pathogenesis in the nasal tonsils? Let's look at the reconciliation table:

1) Manifestations characteristic of the described and studied parameters of adenoid pathogenesisDisease of the nasal cavity (inflamed adenoids) begins with a profuse runny nose, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing freely through the nose. These are some of the main symptoms.

And, if such a pathological picture acquires a constant trend and occurs regularly with seasonal colds, this is a guaranteed risk of persistent hyperplasia of the nasal adenoids.

But, after timely conservative therapy, the dynamics of obvious symptoms, characteristic signs of adenoid intoxication, disappears. The adenoids return to their natural functionality.

The situation is saved by strong innate immunity, living and development of children in healthy family conditions. Carrying out daily preventive measures to prevent inflammatory changes in the child’s nasopharynx.

2) Uncharacteristic signs of adenoid vegetation that pose a danger to the general condition of the child’s bodyThe nasal glands and adenoids, in weakened children (with a low threshold of general immunity) and an increased congenital tendency to adenoidorespiration, practically do not function. What does this mean?

Starting from the first year of life, especially in the period of 3 years, the child is constantly “snotty”, at any time of the year.

Hyperplasia of the adenoids (in the form of inflamed, pasty parenchyma) allows strains of viral, bacterial and extremely dangerous bacilli and microorganisms to pass through almost without obstacles. Agents that cause infectious diseases (hepatitis, herpes virus, mumps, tuberculosis and meningitis).

Children differ sharply from their peers (the same age). Pale (with a transparent tint) of the face, color of the lips, cheeks. There are bluish circles under the eyes, frailty and anemia of the bone frame. Stunted growth and weakness of motor dynamics, which affects the slow psycho-emotional development of the child.

Causes of inflammation of the adenoids in children

It is clear that “there is no smoke without fire.” Every disease has its own causes, pathogenic sources. Inflammation of the adenoids in children, which terrorize the younger generation, are no exception to the ICD (International Classification of Diseases). According to this authoritative publishing house, as well as the described clinical characteristics of adenoid vegetation in children, the primary source (etiopathogenesis) is considered to be excessive accumulation of harmful infectious pathogenic microflora in the nasopharyngeal glands.

Articles on the topic How to cure adenoids in a child without surgery: recommendations, timely advice for parents

What impetus gives rise to the pathological transformation of adenoids? “Pathosources” are already known to both medical specialists and the wider population, these are:

  • Frequent respirations against the background of weakened immune defense of the child’s body;
  • Congenital pathologies, transplacental invasion of respiratory diseases of the expectant mother (during pregnancy);
  • Morphological factor - “before the final formation of the immune system”, falling at the 3-year mark of childhood;
  • The critical state of the ecological atmosphere, the environment in which children are forced to live, inhaling through the nasal cavities, smog, chemical compounds in the air;
  • Infected, poor-quality water and consumption from an early age of blood-modified foods with potent synthetic food substitutes and additives.
  • Insufficient, to a civilized level and culture, understanding of the importance of preventive measures to preserve the adenoid organs in children on the part of their parents;
  • Lack of examples of a healthy lifestyle in the family, cultivation of the life credo - “A healthy person is beautiful, respected in society. A healthy person is the pride of the country. Health should be protected and valued from childhood!”

However, the text below highlights, unfortunately, the fact that the parent audience will not understand the importance of educational informatics about adenoids in children. And, not only to theoretical knowledge. But take effective steps - daily care and attention to the normal, healthy state of the nasopharyngeal organs in your children.

Important note! The listed reasons are the well-known culprits of de-energizing the child’s body. In them lies the source of trouble, called pathogenic, decomposed nasopharyngeal almond glands (adenoids, tonsils) in children!

The topic of the consultation is “Inflamed adenoids in a child”: Ask questions - we answer

We bring this to the attention of our readers. The information is given for the purpose of revealing the topic and general education of parents whose children suffer from adenoid pathogenesis. A specific and real diagnosis, assessment of the condition of the nasopharyngeal tonsils in your children, is possible only with a direct, personal examination of a pediatric otolaryngologist!

Articles on the topic Homemade ointment for the treatment of nasal adenoiditis in children: honey-vaseline ointment

“How to relieve inflammation of the adenoids in a child?”,

The adults around the sick child need to understand. It is impossible to relieve the inflammatory reaction in a child’s nose with a one-time miraculous wave of the hand or a fabulously miraculous medicine. This is impossible. Not hypothetically, much less in reality. In order not to end the answer (to this question), advice - read on...

« A child’s adenoids are inflamed, how to treat?»

Inflammation of the adenoids is treated. But the treatment path must begin with a correct diagnosis. Accurate determination of the stage and degree of damage to the nasal mucosa of the adenoid glands. Accordingly, with a professionally responsible selection of medications and procedures. It is a priori not recommended to independently relieve, even reduce hyperemia (inflammation) of the adenoids in children, without medical supervision!

« My child’s adenoids are inflamed, what should I do?»

And, as for the parental “what to do?”, this is not a rhetorical question. Doing, acting, taking efforts and measures is really necessary, necessary. In a strong partnership with children's doctors. Do not silently expect that everything will pass by itself, that the child will outgrow the adenoids (without medications or surgeries). So, who will give a full guarantee?