Adenoids are made up of lymph tissue and are located in the space about the soft roof the mouth. Adenoids may cause problems if they become enlarged or infected.
Hypertrophy of the Adenoids
Chronic or recurrent inflammation of the adenoids can result in hypertrophy (enlarged adenoids) making it hard to breathe and causing a sore throat or ear problems.
Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis is when the adenoids become inflamed often triggered by a persistent bacterial infection of the adenoids or tonsils.
What are the symptoms of adenoiditis, or enlarged adenoids?
The symptoms of adenoiditis vary greatly depending on the cause of the infection and can occur either suddenly or gradually. The following are the most common symptoms of adenoiditis.
- Breathing through the mouth
- Noisy breathing
- Snoring
- Nasal speech
- Periods at night when breathing stops for a few seconds
The symptoms of adenoiditis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always see your otolaryngologist for a diagnosis.
Learn more about adenoids.
Nasal Obstruction
A nasal obstruction is anything that impedes the flow of air into and out of the nose. The obstruction may block one or both of the nasal passages.
If the nasal obstruction appears to coincide with a certain time of year, it may be caused by an allergy, such as to pollen. If the blockage appears to be on only one side of the nose, then an anatomical cause is more likely. Snoring is often a symptom of an anatomical cause for a nasal obstruction.
Although most cases of nasal obstruction are temporary (caused by sinusitis, allergies or overuse of nasal sprays), a blockage may also be caused by an anatomical factor, such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps or foreign objects.
Avoidance of an allergen, if the cause is allergic, can help alleviate symptoms. If the cause of the obstruction is anatomical, surgery is usually required.