Adenoids are lymph glands situated at the back of the nose. Enlarged and infected adenoids can block the breathing passages and prevent drainage of the sinuses. They can also block the eustachian tube, causing recurrent ear infections. To ease these problems, a surgeon performs an adenoidectomy. Adenoidectomy is a surgery to remove the adenoids, and it is a commonly performed operation in children. Adenoids shrink in size by adolescence, and adults rarely need adenoid removal.
Breathing Problems
Large adenoids can block the breathing passages in children. Children with this problem often breathe through the mouth and snore loudly. Their breathing might even be blocked at times during sleep, when adenoids block the back of the nose. This is a very common reason for removal of adenoids in children. Adenoid removal will help the child breathe and sleep better.
Recurrent Ear Infections
A common reason for adenoid removal is frequent ear infections. Enlarged adenoids can sometimes block the eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. If the eustachian tube is blocked and cannot drain, sometimes this can result in ear infection and fluid buildup in the middle ear. In these cases, removing the adenoids can result in fewer ear infections, according to Pediatric ENT Associates. A child who experiences five or more ear infections a year might benefit from adenoidectomy, according to National Institutes of Health.
Sinus Infections
Large adenoids can also block other areas inside a child's head, resulting in secretions collecting in the nose and perhaps resulting in sinus infections, according to Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. In children with long-term sinusitis, removing the adenoids will help reduce the frequency of sinus infections.
Tonsillitis
According to the National Institutes of Health, adenoid removal is indicated for children who have repeated attacks of tonsillitis. Adenoid removal is commonly performed along with a tonsil removal in children.
