Adenoids are small lymphatic tissues located in the upper airway, behind the nasal cavity. They are part of the immune system, particularly active in early childhood. This article explores how enlarged adenoids can contribute to coughing, along with other associated symptoms and treatment approaches.
What Are Adenoids?
Adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, located high in the throat, just behind the nose. They function by trapping germs that enter the body through breathing and produce antibodies to combat pathogens.
Adenoids are present at birth and typically grow until a child is between three and five years old. After this period, they generally begin to shrink, often disappearing by adulthood. While they play a role in immune defense during early life, the body develops other ways to fight infections as a person ages, making adenoids less significant.
Enlarged Adenoids and Their Symptoms
Adenoids can become enlarged for several reasons, including recurrent infections, allergies, or sometimes they are simply larger from birth. When adenoids swell in response to fighting off germs, they may remain enlarged even after an infection subsides. Although less common, adults can also experience enlarged adenoids due to chronic infections, allergies, or environmental irritants like pollution or smoking.
Enlarged adenoids can contribute to coughing through several mechanisms. One way is by causing post-nasal drip. When the adenoids are enlarged, they can produce excessive mucus that drips down the back of the throat, irritating the sensitive tissues and triggering a cough reflex. Additionally, enlarged adenoids can obstruct the nasal passages, forcing individuals to breathe through their mouths. This mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can lead to throat dryness and irritation, which can provoke a persistent cough.
Beyond coughing, enlarged adenoids can manifest through various other symptoms. These include chronic nasal congestion, noisy breathing, and snoring. Individuals may also experience disturbed sleep, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat. Enlarged adenoids can affect the ears, leading to a feeling of fullness, recurrent ear infections, or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Identifying and Treating Enlarged Adenoids
Diagnosing enlarged adenoids involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Since adenoids are not directly visible, a healthcare provider may use a small, flexible telescope (endoscope) inserted through the nose to view them. X-rays of the throat or neck can also assess their size and the extent of obstruction. If sleep disturbances like sleep apnea are suspected, a sleep study might be recommended.
Treatment approaches for enlarged adenoids vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. In cases where the enlargement is due to infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Nasal steroid sprays are used to reduce inflammation and shrink the adenoids, particularly if allergies are a contributing factor. Watchful waiting is an option, as adenoids naturally shrink as children grow older.
For severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond to medication, surgical removal of the adenoids, known as an adenoidectomy, may be recommended. This procedure is commonly performed in children, especially if enlarged adenoids are causing significant breathing difficulties, recurrent infections, or sleep apnea. The surgery is a day case procedure performed under general anesthesia.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor for persistent symptoms that suggest enlarged adenoids. Chronic coughing, especially accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing through the nose, warrants a visit. A doctor’s evaluation is also recommended for ongoing nasal congestion, loud snoring, or pauses in breathing during sleep.
Recurrent ear infections, fluid in the ears, or noticeable changes in speech also indicate a need for medical assessment. Addressing these symptoms promptly can help determine if enlarged adenoids are the cause and allow for appropriate management.