Infected Adenoids
Behind the nasal cavity are tissue pads called adenoids. They participate in immune system function and respond to external germs and viruses. But occasionally, bacteria might become trapped in the adenoids. The middle ear and eustachian tubes may become infected and swollen.
The eustachian tubes’ apertures are close to the adenoids, so if they expand, the tubes may close. In comparison to adults, children’s adenoids are larger and more active. These increase a child’s risk of ear infections.
Adenoids are present at birth and don’t fully develop until they are between 3 and 5. They often start to shrink after the age of seven. Adenoids that become infected often expand, but after the infection stops, they diminish significantly in adulthood. However, in rare cases, the adenoids remain swollen even after treating the infection.
Allergies can also lead to enlarged adenoids. Some kids have huge adenoids from birth. The severity of the condition determines how it is treated. If the swollen adenoids in a child are not infectious, surgery might not be advised.
