what is an adenoid? and must it be removed? or can be left alone?

Question

my 2.5yr old was diagnosed of same, am reluctant about taking her to operation fearing the procedures, is there a posibility that it can shrink on its own? and if it is to be operated, I mean, how? thro' the mouth or where. pls refer me to a site u know can clarify for me better. thanks Janet.

Answer 1

removing the adnoids is no big deal, small amount of tissue in the sinus area, is removed to assist with sinus drainage and to prevent ear infections. They are removed most of the time with the tonsils or when a young child has tubes placed in the ear. they will go in through the mouth and use a small rubber tube through the nose to access the adnoids, some doctors use a small shaving device now, they are removed and the blood supply is cauterized. I have never seen any complicatipons from this procedure. Your child will be under anethestic. Adnoids will not shrink on thier own, they have been known to litterally rot away from infection ( my daughters were in the process of doing this when hers were removed, my grandmothers did as well, this cause infection and bad breath).
Dont be afraid, this procedure is as common as going to the bathroom.

Answer 2

adenoids

(ăd´noidz´´) , common name for the pharyngeal tonsils, spongy masses of lymphoid tissue that occupy the nasopharynx, the space between the back of the nose and the throat. Normally the adenoids, like the palatine tonsils located on either side of the throat, help prevent infection in the surrounding tissues. However, when they become enlarged they interfere with normal breathing and sometimes with hearing. When severely enlarged, adenoids can affect normal dental development, resulting in an alteration of facial expression. Infection of the adenoids is common, the symptoms resembling those of tonsillitis, with which it is frequently associated. Surgical removal of the adenoids is advisable when enlargement and repeated infection interfere with development and health.

Usually when a person has their tonsils removed the adenoids are also removed. This is referred to as a tonsil & adenoidectomy.

Answer 3

My brother had an adenoid when he was around that age and they didn't operate (cus of his age). But as he grew it went away... so maybe u wont need to operate. Better check with a doctor though to make sure.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenoids

I was told I had enlarged Adenoids and I never had them removed. They will usually remove them if you have alot of ear infections. It is pretty much the same as getting your tonsils out.

Answer 5

Hi Janet , here is some info for you , I hope that this one is something what you really need , good luck :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenoid

Bye! ;)