Problems with inflamed adenoids are mostly due to the location of these glands. They are at the base of the eustachian (YOU-STAY-SHUN) tube which connects to the ear. An infection in the adenoids, if not treated, can travel up this tube and cause ear problems. Enlarged adenoids can also interfere with normal breathing, causing your child to sniffle constantly, breathe through the mouth, and often snore. Antibiotics are the first thing to try, but if adenoids don't respond to medication, surgery may be necessary. An adenoidectomy (AD-EN-OID-EC-TUMY) is a common procedure, performed on more than 400,000 children each year. It involves collecting the adenoids into a central mass while the child is under a general anesthetic, then shaving them off. It is often combined with a tonsillectomy, since infections in one of these systems frequently spreads to the other. Complications are rare, and the child usually goes home the following day. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist can give you more information on adenoid surgery and whether it may be the right procedure for your child.
