Adenoid disease, or adenoid hypertrophy, is more common in children than adults because enlarged adenoids grow over the course of the first few years of life. Enlarged adenoids can become quite large (close to the size of a ping pong ball in some cases) and can close off airflow through the nasal passages. Chronic infections, however, can keep adenoids enlarged for several years into adulthood, and may require surgery.
The adenoids are similar to tonsils and are located behind the nose. Inflamed adenoids may cause chronic middle ear (otitis media) and sinus infections because the tissue blocks the Eustachian tubes, which ventilate the middle ear. Infected adenoids may also cause irritated vocal cords or an urge to cough.
Surgical removal of the adenoids is often the best treatment method because it will end nasal and Eustachian tube obstruction. If your child has chronic ear infections, or if you are concerned over your own ear infections or sinusitis, book an appointment with us today and let us find a way to treat your adenoid hypertrophy.