There are several opinions about adenoids in a child. Some doctors categorically state that they must be removed. Other ENT specialists assure that this nuisance can be dealt with with medication, without surgical intervention. The main thing is to recognize the disease in time and start treating it in a timely manner. And to remove or not to remove the enlarged tonsils, the doctor will help to decide.
What are adenoids
Adenoids are the most common ENT pathology, which "haunts" mainly children.
Adenoids are the pharyngeal tonsil located in the human nasopharynx and performing a number of functions important for the body:
- lymphocyte production,
- the product of immunity cells,
- protection of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa from a variety of infections, viruses and microorganisms.
All children have adenoids. They are a reliable barrier to the entry of infections into the body. This effect is achieved due to the lymphocytes produced in them, which fight viruses and infections. At this time, the lymphoid tissue of the adenoids becomes inflamed and increases in size. And after recovery, he recovers and returns to normal again.
Enlarged adenoids make mothers of babies seriously nervous and worried: after all, there are many myths about them, and often frightening ones. For example, it is believed that:
- all viral diseases arise precisely because of pathogens accumulated on the tonsils;
- baby snoring is a manifestation of the action of enlarged adenoids;
- it is possible to effectively cure adenoids only by surgical methods;
- removed adenoids still grow.
In part, some of these statements are correct. But don't panic right away. In the early stages of detecting adenoid hypertrophy (usually between the ages of one to three to five years), they can be successfully treated. Non-infectious pathology, in the case of a timely appeal to a pediatrician and an otolaryngologist, is easily served with medication therapy.
Removing this tonsil significantly reduces immunity, resulting in a significant increase in the risk of colds. But sometimes it is impossible to do without surgical intervention.
This is necessary in the case when the child is often exposed to colds and viral diseases, as a result of which the lymphoid tissue gradually becomes inflamed, grows and reaches such a size that it closes the nasopharynx. And then the child can only breathe through the mouth. And the adenoids turn into a constant source of infection, causing sore throats, bronchitis and even asthma. In this case, an adenotomy (surgical removal of the adenoids) is simply necessary.
How to recognize adenoids: symptoms
A number of symptoms can determine if a child has adenoid problems. The reason for going to a doctor for advice should be the following "indicators".
- labored breathing,
- runny nose,
- specific cough,
- hearing loss
- frequent ENT diseases,
- sore throats,
- tonsillitis,
- bronchitis.
Since due to swelling and inflammation of the tonsil, the baby's nose stops "breathing", he breathes through his mouth.
Due to the fact that the child breathes through the mouth, he inhales cold, unpurified air, as a result, he quickly "picks up" infections, often gets sick with colds and viral diseases.
Often, enlarged adenoids provoke the appearance of otitis media.
With adenoids, the baby speaks in the nose, nasal.
Children's snoring at night may also indicate a problem with the adenoids.
Development delay, malocclusion, hearing impairment, slurred speech are also reasons for seeking medical attention.
The degree of adenoids in children
As the adenoids increase and the consequences arising from them, experts distinguish several degrees of the disease. They are determined by the condition of the vomer - a small bone plate that is the basis of the nasal septum.
1 degree. During the day, the child breathes normally, and at night it is difficult. In this case, only the upper part of the opener is covered with lymphoid growths.
2nd degree. When the opener is two-thirds closed, the baby has trouble breathing through his nose during the daytime, and snores and snores at night.
Grade 3 is the most difficult. With this, the opener is completely closed. The adenoids are a source of infection, and breathing through the nose becomes impossible. As a result of enlarged adenoids, hearing is noticeably reduced.
Treatment or removal?
As a rule, the first degree of adenoid hypertrophy is not an indicator for surgery. In this case, vitamin therapy is enough, taking calcium-containing preparations and instilling special vasoconstrictor drops in the nose:
- "Vibrocil",
- "Tizin",
- Sanorin.
Also, the following drugs are prescribed for the treatment of adenoids:
- "Avamis",
- Derinat,
- "Protargol",
- "Bioparox",
- "Albucid",
- "Collargol",
- "Sofradex",
- Nozanex.
With adenoids and their inflammation, it is recommended to regularly rinse the nasal cavity with sea salt solutions:
- "Linaqua",
- "Aqualor",
- "Aquamaris",
as well as solutions
- Miramistin,
- "Elekasol",
- "Furacilin",
- Rotokan.
Homeopathic remedies help well at this stage:
- "Barberry Comp",
- "JOB-Malysh",
- Sinupret,
- "Lymphomyosot",
- homeopathic nasal thuja oil.
The components of these funds help to reduce the severity of the inflammatory process in the tissues of the pharyngeal tonsil and help the body to cope with pathologies faster and prevent the development of possible complications.
At the first stage of the disease, it is necessary to regularly visit a specialist and observe the "behavior" of the lymphoid tissue, and, if required, take vitamin, homeopathic, and medicinal preparations.
If a second degree of enlargement of the adenoids is diagnosed, depending on their size and the effect on the ability to breathe freely through the nose, the doctor may prescribe medication and physiotherapy aimed at relieving swelling and inflammation, cleansing the oral cavity, eliminating a runny nose, and strengthening immunity.
If the size of the nasopharyngeal tonsils is above average, the question of their removal is raised.
Adenotomy
In the third stage of hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil, adenotomy is the most effective treatment.
The indications for the operation are:
- ineffectiveness of drug treatment,
- absence or difficulty in nasal breathing,
- chronic sinusitis,
- hearing impairment
- recurrent inflammation of the middle ear,
- inflammation of the adenoids up to four or more times a year,
- stopping breathing during night sleep,
- deformation of the skeleton of the face and chest.
The operation is performed routinely under anesthesia in a stationary setting. It does not last long, on the same day the baby can go home.
To prevent the occurrence of complications in the postoperative period, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations:
take prescribed medications;
- do not exercise for two weeks after the operation,
- do not take a bath for 3-4 days,
- try not to stay in the open sun,
- not to visit the children's team and crowded places immediately after the operation.
