Adenoiditis or Swollen Lymph Nodes

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Adenoiditis or Swollen Lymph Nodes (Disease)


Description

Adenoiditis is the inflammation of the adenoid tissue, usually caused by an infection.

Symptoms of adenoiditis can vary depending on the existing cause of the infection but include: sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen glands in the neck, ear pain and other ear problems. When the nose is stuffy, breathing through it can be a challenge.

Other symptoms of adenoiditis related to nasal congestion are: breathing through the mouth, speaking with a nasal sound, difficulty sleeping, snoring or sleep apnea.

Causes and Risk factors

Conditions that can cause nasal blockage are: swelling of the nasal lining (allergic rhinitis). This condition is associated with asthma and eczema in some children; deviated nasal septum. This is sometimes present at birth and in other cases is due to a blow to the nose; a foreign body in the nose, such as a bead, or a toy brick that the child has pushed up their nostril. The infection cause is usually viral.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If the adenoiditis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed for treatment. A steroidal nasal spray may also be prescribed in order to reduce nasal congestion.

Severe or recurring adenoiditis may require surgical removal of the adenoids (adenotonsillectomy). Removal of the adenoids is carried out via the mouth. It is a simple procedure which only takes a few minutes to perform.

...