Adenoid Hypertrophy

Adenoids are lymph tissue located at the back of the nose. Enlargement or chronic infection of the adenoids can lead to nasal drainage, mouth breathing, and ear infections. Common in children, adenoid problems are often misdiagnosed as allergies or sinusitis. Medications have little to no effect.  Adenoids serve no useful function in children and generally shrink during adolescence. Adenoid problems are diagnosed by symptoms and exam.  X-rays or endoscopic examinations are not usually necessary.

Adenoidectomy, or surgical removal of the adenoids, is a very common outpatient surgical procedure in children.

For more information about chronic adenoid infection, call Northwest ENT Surgery Center at (678) 483-8833.