Adenoid
The adenoids are located at the roof of the junction between the back wall of the throat and the rear part of the nasal cavity (known as the nasopharynx), visible behind the tongue when the mouth is open. Narrowing in this area makes nasal breathing difficult.
Post-Nasal Drip
Nasal secretions lubricate and cleanse the inside of the nose, moisturize inhaled air, and trap foreign particles. This secretion is called mucus. Approximately 1 liter of mucus is produced daily, flows through the nasal passages, and is swallowed. Under normal circumstances, this flow is not noticeable. However, when the consistency of mucus thickens, it can accumulate in the throat or flow from the back of the nose, causing discomfort.
Causes of Post-Nasal Drip
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Common cold
- Reflux
- Medications
- Allergies
- Pregnancy
- Seasonal changes
- Environmental factors such as cold, dry, or polluted air.
Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip
Bad breath, loss of appetite, nausea, enlarged adenoids, itchy throat
Treatment of Post-Nasal Drip
To reduce nasal discharge, patients can: consume plenty of fluids, particularly herbal teas; avoid smoking and alcohol; consult a physician if conditions like sinusitis or allergies are present.
Treatment involves identifying whether the discharge is caused by conditions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bacterial infections, reflux, or structural abnormalities and addressing the underlying cause.
In some cases, the cause of post-nasal drip cannot be determined. When this happens, efforts are made to thin the mucus, enabling it to flow more easily.
Why Does the Adenoid Enlarge?
The adenoid plays a protective role against infections in the throat and nose. It enlarges during throat and nasal infections to perform its function. Like other organs, it also has a normal growth pattern with age. Adenoids reach their largest size by age 3 and begin to shrink after age 6, typically reaching adult size by age 12. However, recurrent upper respiratory infections, immune system disorders, allergic reactions, or genetic predispositions can cause the adenoid to enlarge.
Symptoms in children with enlarged adenoids may include:
- Snoring and mouth breathing during sleep
- Sweating and drooling during sleep
- Sleep apnea (a sleep disorder)
- Frequent middle ear infections
- Speech disorders, such as a persistent nasal tone
- Facial deformities (adenoid face)
- Growth hormone secretion issues
- Psychological problems and poor academic performance
In some cases, adenoid surgery may be necessary, for example:
- Sleep apnea
- Frequent middle ear infections
- Conditions affecting the adenoid tissue
Your doctor will determine the best course of action based on your specific condition.
Adenoid Surgery
Adenoid surgery typically takes about 15–20 minutes and does not require hospitalization unless there are special circumstances. The most common technique involves scraping the adenoid tissue using a tool called a curette (cold method). Other techniques, such as microdebrider, diathermy, or radiofrequency, may be used to reduce the tissue.
Laser surgery is no longer preferred due to its adverse outcomes. In some cases, adenoids may regrow due to a small amount of remaining tissue or if the surgery was performed at a very young age.
At What Age is Adenoid Surgery Performed?
While adenoid removal is generally unnecessary before the age of 1–2 years, advances in technology now allow the procedure to be performed even on infants a few months old if necessary. It is a very short operation and does not require hospitalization. In some cases, adenoid surgery is performed alongside procedures such as tonsillectomy or ear tube insertion.
After Adenoid Surgery
- Patients are typically discharged the same day unless there are special circumstances.
- There are no sutures.
- Pain is minimal or nonexistent.
- Mild swallowing difficulties may occur.
- Swelling may persist for a few days.
- Temporary nasal congestion may result from swelling.
- Slightly pink saliva may appear for the first 2–3 days post-surgery. (Contact a physician immediately if there is fresh red blood or bloody vomiting.)
- The voice may sound nasal for about 2–3 weeks.
- Appetite usually improves as breathing becomes easier.
- During the first 1–2 days after surgery, the diet should consist of soft foods such as liquids or purees.
- Drink plenty of warm water.
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