Adenoids and Ear Infections

Adenoids are weapons in your body's arsenal against harmful pathogens. These tissues, located in the back of the throat, help your body to fight infection. However, adenoids can become problematic if infection and swelling render them dysfunctional or harmful.

Purpose of Adenoids

• Adenoids contain lymphatic tissue which is useful in the prevention of infection. However, adenoids are only considered to be beneficial for fighting infections in children. In adults, the adenoids atrophy and lose their effectiveness.

Problems

• Adenoids can become enlarged and create sinus infections, problems with breathing, sleep apnea, and chronic ear or throat infections. When the problems begin to outweigh the potential benefits, adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) is usually recommended.

Ear Infections

• Ear infections may become chronic if the adenoids remain swollen or are continually infected. The eustachian tube function may be adversely affected by the enlarged, infected adenoids, leading to fluid retention in the middle ear and subsequent infection.

When to Remove Adenoids

• Physicians do not recommend the removal of adenoids unless they are creating continual health problems. If ear infections are the source of continued health problems, tubes to assist with fluid drainage are traditionally recommended before adenoidectomy. However, if the infections continue, adenoidectomy is the next course of action.

Adenoidectomy

• In the event that an adenoidectomy is deemed necessary, you can expect your child to undergo a five- to 15-minute procedure under general anesthesia. An adenoidectomy is considered to be much less painful than a tonsillectomy, usually requiring no post-operative pain medication.