Ever wonder why tonsils and adenoids are sometimes removed at the same time? Or why sometimes just the tonsils are removed?
Adenoids live in the upper area of the nasal cavity in the throat. A person can’t see their adenoids by looking into a mirror like with the tonsils. Doctors can examine the adenoids using a small mirror or flexible telescope.
Adenoids exist to help filter out bacteria and viruses that enter the body as a part of the immune system. Adenoids are the most helpful in early childhood as the body is developing its immunity arsenal. As a person gets older, the effectiveness of the adenoids decreases along with the size of the adenoids. In fact, by the time a person is a teenager, the adenoids have almost disappeared completely, which answers the question about why you may still have your adenoids even though you have had your tonsils removed.
Adenoids are removed when they pose a health risk to the patient. Sometimes the adenoids can become swollen to the point of causing a person to breathe through their mouth because the air flow to the nose is restricted. Snoring at night is common among those with enlarged adenoids as is a constantly runny nose. Swollen adenoids may even block the eustachian tubes in the ears, leading to trapped fluid in the middle ear and ear infections.
If you think swollen adenoids are causing the above mentioned symptoms in yourself or your child, make an appointment with one of the physicians at South Valley Ear Nose and Throat. A simple history and examination will take place, after which, a treatment plan will be implemented. Sometimes surgery is recommended. If that is the case, you will be given information on what to expect with your surgery and what to expect after the procedure.