Adenoid

Adenoid , also known as adenoid , is a tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. Although adenoid is seen as a problem on its own, it is not. Just like the lymph nodes, it has a role in the body and is considered part of the immune system. Of course, like every tissue and organ in the body, adenoids can cause disease and various problems. The function of the adenoid is to trap microorganisms entering the body through the nose and prevent them from harming the body. However, it supports antibodies that fight any germs that can harm the body. In some cases, this tissue that benefits the body may reach a point where it can harm the body. Growths and changes in the adenoid for various reasons can cause problems.

How is adenoid enlargement diagnosed?

Adenoid enlargement is a common condition in children. Symptoms in children may bring to the minds of parents any common ailment. However, adenoid enlargement can have distinctive symptoms. For this reason, parents should take their children to an ENT specialist without wasting time. The doctor will listen to the patient’s history and perform a general examination. Especially the ears, nose, mouth and throat are thoroughly checked. After a general examination, endoscopy is performed through the nose for definitive diagnosis and an adenoid film called nasopharyngeal radiography is taken.

Why does adenoid grow?

The causes of adenoid growth can be listed as follows;

Viral or bacterial infections can cause enlarged adenoids. Infections can cause abnormal changes in all tissues that are part of the immune system because they affect the immune system negatively.
Adenoid enlargement can be seen due to recurrent allergic reactions, especially allergic rhinitis. Since the adenoid is located in the nasal cavity, any disease and allergic reaction that affects the nose can also affect the adenoid.
Genetic predisposition is one of the main causes. In children whose parents have adenoid enlargement, adenoid enlargement and related symptoms may occur in a short time.
Smoking can lead to enlarged adenoids as it affects the nose and throat. However, staying indoors for long periods of time where cigarette smoke is dense can also cause adenoid enlargement.
Cancer of the nasopharynx, also known as cancer of the upper pharynx, can cause adenoids to enlarge. Lymphoma cancer can also trigger adenoid enlargement.

What are the Symptoms of Adenoid Growth?

Symptoms of adenoid enlargement can be listed as follows;

Hearing loss may develop gradually and come on suddenly.
There may be noticeable snoring and sudden stopping of breathing while sleeping.
Children may have incontinence of urine.
Visible facial deformities may occur.
Children may show symptoms such as aggressive behavior, weakness and moodiness.
Children who are not comfortable sleeping may have sleep problems.
Dental caries may develop due to mouth breathing.
Nosebleeds may occur due to problems in the nasal tissues.
Bad breath and fluid loss due to continuous mouth breathing may be observed.
Children may experience loss of appetite and feeding problems.

What Can Adenoid Lead to If Left Untreated?

If adenoid is left untreated, irreparable deformities may occur in the jaw and facial bones. However, failure to diagnose and treat this common problem in children in a timely manner can adversely affect the development of children in their formative years. Permanent hearing problems can also occur. When symptoms occur in children, they may not be able to describe them adequately. Unthinkable problems and diseases should be evaluated in children who are often cranky and aggressive. Children should be checked frequently by a doctor and all the problems that occur in the winter months should not be blamed on diseases such as flu and colds.

How is adenoid surgery performed?

The stages of adenoid surgery can be listed as follows;

During the procedure, general anesthesia is applied and the patient does not feel pain.
Open the mouth thoroughly with the help of a mouth opener tool and make it suitable for the process. The back of the tongue is accessed and the adenoid is excavated using special instruments. This is how it is removed from the area.
There is no nerve tissue in the area where the adenoid is located. No stitches or incisions are required during the procedure. Therefore, it can be said that the surgery is not laborious. After the adenoid is removed, the procedure is completed in a short time.

Adenoid surgery takes approximately 20 minutes. It can be said to take half an hour at most.

What Should Be Considered Before Adenoid Surgery?

The things to be considered before adenoid surgery can be listed as follows;

Before the surgery, parents should psychologically prepare their children for the surgery. This is very important. Since children are not aware of surgery, they may want to avoid surgery and may be afraid.
The child should not be fed heavy meals before the operation.
All necessary examinations should be performed before the operation. If the child has never had anesthesia before and this is his/her first surgery, it should be shared with the doctor. Any sensitivity to anesthesia should be investigated. Children whose blood tests are not suitable for surgery should be postponed.
If the child has any illnesses and takes regular medications, these should be shared with the doctor.
Children should not be given random medicines before surgery. If there are medicines that are essential for any condition, a doctor should be consulted before giving them.

What Should Be Considered After Adenoid Surgery?

The things to be considered after adenoid surgery can be listed as follows;

Adenoid surgery is a much more effortless surgery compared to other surgeries and does not require rest. However, since anesthesia is used during surgery, nausea and vomiting may occur. For this reason, after surgery, parents are advised not to speed in the vehicle with their children and not to make long journeys.
The child should not be fed immediately after the procedure. The anesthetic effect wears off in a few hours. It is not recommended to eat before the anesthesia wears off.
After adenoid surgery, there is no feeling of pain in the area where the surgery is performed. If there are any side effects that should not be seen, the doctor who performed the surgery should be contacted as soon as possible.

How Much Does Adenoid Surgery Cost?

It is not possible to give a clear figure since the cost of adenoid surgery varies according to the hospital and the doctor performing the procedure. Adenoid surgery can be performed in a public or private hospital. Private hospitals may be preferred due to the density in public hospitals. Although public hospitals are preferred because their costs are lower than private hospitals, it can be difficult to find an appointment in a short time. In public hospitals, many surgeries of patients with health insurance are covered by the state. Therefore, children of people with health insurance can also have free surgery. However, in some private hospitals contracted with the SSI, part of the cost of the surgery is covered by the state.

Is There a Herbal Treatment for Adenoid?

A mixture of turmeric and warm milk is recommended for herbal treatment of adenoids . It is believed that as long as a teaspoon of turmeric added to warm milk is given to children, the adenoid shrinks. Of course, this should not be seen as a definitive treatment method to be preferred in all cases. In most cases, adenoid enlargement is a condition that needs to be treated surgically.