What Are Adenoids?

Adenoids are easy to miss, located at the back of your throat. Tonsils, their neighbors, tend to be more well known. But just like with their neighbors they only get attention when there is something wrong. To learn more about them reach out to the professionals of the Ear, Nose, and Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center in Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA.
 

Infection

When they are functioning properly adenoids, just like your tonsils, help your body by producing antibodies as part of your body's immune system. When you are young they play a role in preventing infection by trapping bacteria. But as you grow older they tend to shrink, and may even disappear when you become an adult.

The problems arise when this tissue, instead of protecting, becomes the source of infection. Infected adenoids tend to enlarge leading to complications.

When they're swollen they can cause difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and sleeping.

They can also lead to frequent ear infections which can create serious problems, including problems with hearing and with it, speech development. This is why your Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA, ENT specialists may have to remove the inflamed adenoids.
 

Treatment

Even though they are part of your immune system, they are not a critical component and can usually be safely removed. It's a relatively simple procedure with few risks.

Nevertheless, the treatment your doctor chooses will depend on the severity of the problem, an adenoidectomy may not always be necessary.

Adenoids sometimes shrink on their own after an infection has passed, so medication alone may be recommended. If they are enlarged but not infected, your doctor could decide to wait until they naturally shrink as your child gets older.

But if these approaches prove unsuccessful then removal is common. It's also possible that your doctor will also remove the tonsils during the same procedure.

Children who suffer from frequent ear infections or have some of the problems mentioned above should consult with an ENT doctor. Make an appointment today with the experts of the Ear, Nose, and Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center by dialing (540) 371-1226 to reach their Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA, locations.

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