adenoides

Adenoids, also known as the pharyngeal tonsils and, in some languages, adenoides, are a lump of lymphoid tissue located high in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate. They form part of Waldeyer's ring, a ring of lymphoid tissue that helps protect the upper airway. In humans, adenoids are largest in childhood and typically shrink during adolescence, often becoming barely detectable in adults.

Adenoids contribute to the immune response in early life by exposing inhaled pathogens to immune cells and producing antibodies. As the immune system matures and exposure to airway bacteria increases, the adenoids gradually decrease in size.

Hypertrophy, or enlargement, of adenoids can obstruct the nasal passages, leading to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids can also contribute to recurrent otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction, as well as chronic nasal discharge and sinus infections.

Diagnosis is usually based on history and physical examination; nasopharyngeal endoscopy or mirror examination may be used to assess size and airway impact. Imaging is rarely required. Treatment ranges from observation for mild cases to adenoidectomy (surgical removal) when there is significant obstruction or recurrent ear and nasal infections. Medical options include intranasal corticosteroids or saline irrigation to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics for acute infections.