Symptoms Of Enlarged Adenoids

The adenoids are soft tissue located in the nose and help create a layer of defense against invading infections and viruses. They are considered a vital part of the immune system. While all human beings are typically born with adenoids, they generally tend to shrink as individuals age and vanish during the adult years. For some individuals, however, this is not the case. Instead of shrinking, the adenoids may swell and become enlarged. Treatment for enlarged adenoids varies, depending on the cause and severity of the swelling. There are various symptoms of enlarged adenoids. If an individual encounters these symptoms, they should visit their physician for further evaluation.

Otitis Media With Effusion

One symptom of enlarged adenoids is otitis media with effusion, which occurs when fluid collects in the middle ear. The system of the ears, nose, and throat are all connected and require passages to remain unobstructed and free-flowing to function properly. When the adenoids become enlarged, it creates a blockage and prevents the eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the throat, from draining fluid. Without proper drainage, the fluid may build up behind the eardrum, causing pain, loss of balance and hearing difficulties. Usually, otitis media with effusion resolves itself after four to six weeks. Recurring bouts or instances of this condition that don't resolve on their own may be an indicator the adenoids are enlarged, and additional treatment may be needed to decrease swelling and encourage proper fluid drainage.

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Swollen Neck Glands

Swollen neck glands may be an indicator of enlarged adenoids due to infection. The glands in the neck typically swell and become painful when illness or infection is present within the body. When the adenoids are enlarged, the blockage can result in fluid accumulating and germs being trapped within the ear canal, leading to an ear infection. Swelling of the neck glands may be a response to an ear infection or an infection of the adenoids themselves. Swollen neck glands are typically one of the first signs of an infection and singular occurrence of infection the adenoids or another area of the ear, nose and throat system due to enlarged adenoids may be treated with antibiotics. Frequent infections due to enlarged adenoids, however, may require the adenoids be removed to prevent further obstruction and illness.

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Blocked And Stuffy Nose

The adenoids are located in an area of the mouth called the south palate, which connects the nose to the throat. When the adenoids become enlarged, it can limit the amount of aid that can flow through the nose to the throat, resulting in a blocked and stuffy nose. This blockage can be uncomfortable, causing individuals to have to breathe out of their mouth to obtain sufficient air supply. Individuals experiencing a blocked and stuffy nose due to enlarged adenoids may find relief with antibiotic treatment if the enlargement is due to infection. The inability to breathe through the nose can have a significant impact on quality of life in areas ranging from eating, physical activity, and sleeping. Individuals who frequently experience nasal blockages due to enlarged adenoids may require surgery to remove the tissue.

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Sleep Apnea

The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is enlarged adenoids. When the adenoidal tissue swells, it can block the airway leading to difficulty breathing. This blockage can be especially harmful at night when a child is sleeping, causing them to stop breathing for short periods. Children with sleep apnea will appear as though their body is trying to breathe, but no air will be flowing through the passages into the long. Long-term sleep apnea in children can lead to an interrupted sleep pattern, resulting in daytime tiredness, a decrease in focus, and depression. Left untreated, it is linked to high blood pressure, asthma, and low oxygen levels in adults.

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Difficulty Swallowing

Because the adenoids are located in the soft palate at the back of the mouth, individuals with enlarged adenoids may have difficulty swallowing. The amount of difficulty swallowing an individual has will be in correlation with the severity of the adenoidal swelling. As the adenoids grow and take up space, it can feel as though there is a lump in the throat that won't go away despite swallowing multiple times, or a feeling of choking or coughing whenever swallowing occurs. Outside of being uncomfortable, difficulty swallowing due to enlarged adenoids can become life-threatening, as it increases the risk of inhaling of food into the lungs, pneumonia, and choking. Individuals with this symptom are encouraged to talk to their physician right away for evaluation and treatment.