Adenoids 101

 

I often have patients ask about their adenoids. 

What are they? 

Where are they? 

What do they do? 

What will removing them do? 

Well, let’s talk about them.  

What Are They? 

Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, like tonsils, lymph nodes, and the appendix. They are a lot like tonsils in that they are in the upper airway, but whereas tonsils are two separate structures on either side of the throat, the adenoids are a central structure (like the nose or mouth) in a part of the body called the “nasopharynx.” 

The Naso-What? 

So the nasopharynx is the part of the body where the nose (“naso”) meets the throat (“pharynx”).  Remember when I said the nose was like an iceberg? No? OK, click here.  The very far back of the nose is where the nasopharynx is, and that’s where the adenoids are. If you look in your mouth it is right above the area you can see at the back of the throat.  

What Do They Do? 

So the lymphatic system is like the trash men of the body. It helps to clear waste products from cells. It is helpful in fighting infections, too. That said, it is a very “redundant” system in that you can have many lymph nodes removed from your body and have no higher risk of infection.   

Will I Get More Infections if They Are Removed? 

No. I know of no research that shows that kids or adults who have their adenoids removed have a higher risk of infection. Actually, when an adenoidectomy is indicated for recurring ear or sinus/throat infections, fewer infections occur.  

Why Should They Be Removed? 

The most common reason is to help the eustachian tubes function better in kids. Remember the eustachian tubes? No? OK, click here. And here. When children get recurring ear infections, sometimes (especially if they have had one set of ear tubes already) ENTs will consider removing the adenoids. The eustachian tubes connect the ears to the…. nasopharynx... right where the adenoids are. Inflamed and infected adenoids can be a source of ear infections. Get rid of the adenoids, get rid of the ear problems. There are other times we might consider removal of the adenoids. I’ll talk about that another time.

This here (below) is a great example of an adenoid I’d definitely want to take out.

 

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Daily Life, Nose, Throat, Highlighted PostsErin Shellenbergeradenoids, ear infection, strep throat