Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids. Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose in the upper part of the throat. As with tonsils, the adenoids can also become swollen and infected. This condition is known as adenoiditis.
Adenoid infections often affect children, but are nearly unheard of in adults; this is because the tissues begin to shrink around the age of 5 or 6, and disappear completely in most people by the time they reach their teens.
Andenoid Infection Symptoms
Virtually any virus or bacteria can cause an infection of the adenoids. Symptoms of adenoiditis are cold-like in nature, and include sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen neck glands, earache, mouth breathing, snoring and difficulty sleeping. A person with adenoiditis will often have nasally speech.
Because symptoms closely mirror those of other conditions, an in-depth examination is necessary in order to properly diagnose adenoiditis. Your child’s doctor will examine the ears, nose and throat, and check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. X-rays may be ordered because the adenoids are often difficult to observe visually.
Adenoiditis Treatment
If the cause of adenoiditis is viral in nature, it should run its course in a matter of days. Symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications (antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers), fluids and rest. If a bacterial infection is to blame, antibiotics are the usual method of treatment.
Adenoids can be removed when their enlargement causes chronic nasal blockage and for repeat episodes of sinusitis and ear infections. Bacterial biofilms living in the crevices in the adenoids can be removed, preventing further infection. Dr. Rosner uses cautery to vaporize the adenoids, allowing for minimal bleeding, shortened surgical time, minimal discomfort and a speedy recovery.