Are Adenoids to Blame for Snoring, Stuffy Noses, and Ear Infections?
Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash
As a parent, it can be worrisome to hear your child snoring night after night, see them struggling with a perpetually stuffy nose, or watch them battle one ear infection after another. You may wonder, How on Earth do I fix this? For many children, the answer lies in a tiny but important part of their immune system: the adenoids.
When adenoids become enlarged or infected, they can wreak havoc on a child’s ability to breathe, sleep, and stay healthy, leaving parents searching for answers and solutions. Let’s dive into what adenoids are, why they matter, and how they could be the key to solving your child’s health concerns.
Click on my latest video below for what you need to know about adenoids. I also perform a live nasal endoscopy for those of you curious to know what an adenoid looks like live or for those of you entertained by seeing someone stick things up their nose.
Read on and watch my video for what you need to know about adenoids.
What Are Adenoids?
Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, which play a key role in our body’s immune defenses—think of them as the “trash collectors” of the body, cleaning up after infections and inflammation. Located between your nose and the throat in an area called the nasopharynx, adenoids play a crucial role in your child’s developing immune system.
During early childhood, the immune system is still learning to recognize and fight off infections. Adenoids act as one of the body’s first lines of defense. They trap and filter bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles that enter your body through the nose and mouth. One major characteristic about the adenoids, tonsils, and other lymphatic structures in the throat is that is highly redundant. This means that other lymphatic structures take over when adenoids are removed.
As your child grows and their immune systems mature, adenoids become less important. By adolescence, their body develops other ways to fight infections. Their adenoids naturally shrink, usually starting around the age of 7 or 8. Typically, as an adult, your adenoids are so small that they’re barely noticeable or no longer present. This is why adenoid-related problems are rare in older individuals.
Why Are Adenoids a Problem for Some Children?
When adenoids become enlarged or chronically infected, they can cause several issues, particularly in younger children (ages 1–10). Here are the top three problems:
Enlarged adenoids can block eustachian tubes
Our eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose. Enlarged adenoids can block these tubes, causing them to malfunction. This can lead to recurring ear infections or fluid buildup behind the eardrum, especially if your child has already had ear tubes placed.
Having a buildup of fluid in the middle ear can make it harder for your child to hear clearly, in turn affecting their learning and social interactions. The eustachian tubes also help regulate pressure in our middle ear, which is closely tied to the vestibular system that's responsible for balance. If this system isn’t functioning properly, it can result in dizziness or a sense of imbalance.
Enlarged adenoids can obstruct your nasal passageway
Enlarged adenoids can partially or completely block the back of the nasal passage, making it hard for your child to breathe through their noses. This can lead to poor quality rest, snoring, mouth breathing during sleep, and even sleep apnea.
Over time, this can affect their energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Poor sleep due to nasal airway obstruction has also been linked to behavioral problems such as irritability, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes mimicking the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adenoids can become chronically inflamed
When your child’s adenoids remain persistently inflamed (adenoiditis), they can mimic chronic sinus infections as they obstruct normal drainage and airflow. In young children, underdeveloped sinuses mean that their adenoids are often the primary source of recurring nasal symptoms like congestion and drainage.
It’s important to be aware that the frequent use of antibiotics to treat your child’s chronic infections could contribute to antibiotic resistance over time and upset the gastrointestinal system. Persistent infections can also strain the immune system, making your child susceptible to other illnesses.
When Should Adenoids Be Removed?
If your child has recurring issues caused by enlarged or infected adenoids, removal (adenoidectomy) may be recommended. Understandably, many parents worry: “Will my child’s immune system suffer if the adenoids are removed?” The good news is that research shows removing adenoids does not increase the risk of infections. In fact, eliminating chronically infected adenoids can reduce the frequency of illnesses since they no longer act as a reservoir for bacteria.
How Do Doctors Assess Adenoids?
ENT specialists use tools like nasal endoscopy to evaluate the size and condition of the adenoids. This is rarely done in young children due to their discomfort, but it is a routine procedure in adults when assessing nasal or ear issues. It’s often used to evaluate fluid buildup or suspected nasal blockages.
My Final Thoughts on Adenoids
Adenoids are small but can have a big impact on your child’s health. If your child struggles with chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or recurring ear infections, it might be time for us to talk about whether adenoids could be the culprit. Addressing the problem early can help your child breathe easier, sleep better, and stay healthier overall.
Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel today for more helpful information!
Give me a call today to discuss at 817-261-3000.
Sources: