The Hidden Germ Fighter
The body has a deep network called the lymphatic system. The system fights off foreign bacteria harmful to the body. Tonsils are a part of the system and adenoids 1 of the 3 sets of tonsils in humans. Never heard of adenoids? Adenoids are a hidden mound of tissue where the nasal cavity and throat meet. Bacteria can enter the body through the nose and mouth. The adenoids keep bacteria and diseases from wreaking long-term havoc on the body.
More harm than good
Adenoids are the largest and most active during birth and early adolescence. With age, adenoids shrink and almost disappear. But rare cases have shown adults with adenoids. Over time, fighting bacteria takes a toll. Constant adenoid inflammation and infection cause more harm than good. If the tissue affects daily life and health, a surgeon may choose to perform an adenoidectomy.
When medicine cannot keep up
Inflamed and infected adenoids usually heal with no assistance. However, the discomfort and impact of inflammation may need medicine. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to deal with adenoids But what if the medicine has no effect? In unusual cases, adenoids may not respond to antibiotics. Or the infection may immediately return after completing the course of medicine. Once a doctor sees no improvement, seeing a surgeon is the next step.
When snoring won’t go away
Inflamed adenoids can grow to the size of a small ball. Blocked nasal passages create loud, excessive snoring. Snoring does not only keep loved ones up during the night. Snoring impacts breathing, energy levels, and sleep quality. Snoring can lead to sleep apnea, which can have a long-term effect on heart health. If adenoids impact the quality of sleep, getting the tissue removed may be the best option.
An impact on the ear
Close to the adenoids are the eustachian tubes which connect the ear and throat. Adenoid infections can spread to the middle ear. Chronic ear infections cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss. Middle ear infections usually affect children but can impact adults. A recurring ear infection or an infection not treated by antibiotics may prompt doctors to check the adenoids. If adenoids are the problem, surgical treatment can help.
Saving the sinuses
Reports state sinusitis impacts over 30 million Americans. But can the condition be coming from adenoid infections? The sinuses are cavities behind the nose and forehead. If the passages become blocked, expect facial pain, congestion, and even a loss of smell. Sinuses also become filled with fluid. Chances are the sinuses can become infected as a result of inflamed adenoids.
When to see a surgeon?
People with inflamed adenoids should not be afraid. Doctors first exhaust non-surgical options before resorting to surgery. Adenoidectomies are simple procedures with a high success rate. The best time to see a surgeon is for long-term, immediate relief from ailments like snoring, ear pain, or sinusitis.
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