The ear, nose, and throat system is an extremely sensitive area, with the tonsils and adenoids being two of the most commonly affected aspects. Many people are familiar with tonsils; however, adenoids are less well known, which is why the staff at Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC in Lincoln, NE, want to explain. It’s important to understand what they are, as well as how to identify any related health issues so you can seek treatment from an ear nose and throat doctor for yourself or your children.

What Are Adenoids?

The adenoids are closely related to the tonsils. They’re similar to lymph nodes and are located in the soft palate in the nasal cavity. Their primary function is to work with the tonsils to traps harmful bacteria and viruses that you breathe in through your nose or mouth. Over time, they begin to shrink and practically disappear by adolescence.

Adenoids become problematic when, like tonsils, they begin to swell. As they trap and absorb infectious agents, they may swell while fighting them off. This can lead to numerous breathing problems, as they obstruct the nasal passage. Common side effects include a chronically stuffy nose that requires mouth-breathing, snoring that interferes with sleep, ear pain, and swollen neck glands. Any of these symptoms warrant a visit to the ear nose and throat doctor immediately for treatment.

When an ear nose and throat doctor examines the adenoids, they’ll pay attention to the size as well as any serious signs of infection that are causing irregular swelling. In many cases, this can be resolved with medication; but, in serious cases, the adenoids will need to be surgically removed. It’s a minimally-invasive procedure, and if your child is experiencing regular sickness, the ear nose and throat doctor may recommend that their tonsils come out as well. Recovery takes less than a week, and your child won’t experience any negative effects from having their adenoids removed.

If you suspect your child is dealing with adenoid or tonsil issues, turn to an ear nose and throat doctor. At Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC, they offer various services, including allergy testing and treatment for sinus issues; and, they’re committed to helping patients overcome any issues they’re experiencing. Call (402) 488-5600 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their practice.