What are the adenoids?

The adenoids are small walnut sized lumps of glandular tissue behind the palate in the back of the nose. They are closely linked to the tonsils and help to fight germs in younger children. Probably at around the age of two the adenoids are no longer needed as the body’s immune system fights off the infections.

Why take them out?

The adenoids may contribute to obstructive sleep apnoea (see snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea) and they may contribute to recurring episodes of glue ear (see hearing loss and glue ear) so they may need removal as part of the treatment for these conditions. Often some adenoid enlargement will cause snoring and a tendency to mouth breathe but when there are no other symptoms the adenoids will usually be left to shrink as the child grows.

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