Adenoids are lymphatic tissues, or spongy masses, very similar to tonsils located in the upper respiratory tract, specifically in the back of the nasal cavity, between the nose and throat, which can be appreciated view. Adenoids are very important because they protect us against disease by trapping microbes and bacteria and killing infections with their antibodies.
When adenoids become hypertrophied, that is, they become inflamed and increase in size; we speak of adenoid vegetations, a prevalent condition in children that causes annoying symptoms and that can be caused by infections, viruses, and colds; even in some cases, this tissue may enlarge without apparent cause. In this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn how adenoid vegetations act: symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Causes of adenoid vegetations
Hypertrophy of adenoids can be a typical characteristic of people since this tissue usually enlarges. At the same time, the body fights an infection, but it can also be inflamed without a disease. When babies are born with large adenoids, they often go flat over time and reach their average size by five years of age. However, some people have had adenoid vegetations and only find out when they visit the ENT, usually for any other symptom unrelated to these lymphatic masses.
Similarly, adenoid hypertrophy may or may not cause symptoms; however, when this condition generates a series of discomfort that interferes with the quality of life of the person, and there are more problems than it is causing than the diseases that it is avoiding, the medical specialist will likely consider removing them to offer relief to the person and even improve their breathing habits. The most common conditions that can trigger adenoid vegetations are:
- Colds
- Infections
- Virus.
- Sinusitis.
- Throat diseases and disorders.
- Fever.
- Allergies
Symptoms of adenoid vegetation
Adenoids help the body defend itself against any disease, but what happens when this tissue becomes inflamed? The nose is blocked due to adenoid vegetations, and inhalation is difficult since the amount of air that passes through the nostrils decreases. This scenario can cause the following symptoms:
- Chapped lips
- Bad breath.
- Dry mouth
- Nasal congestion.
- Breathing through the mouth.
- Mosquitos.
- Interrupted sleep
- Sleep apnea.
- Ear infections, especially in children.
How Adenoid Vegetations Are Diagnosed
Due to their location, the adenoids cannot be easily visualized. For this reason, the medical specialist must use a unique mirror to see them through the mouth or may also use a flexible probe or endoscope that will be inserted through the nose to observe the lymphatic tissue better. Once the doctor can see the adenoids and verify their enlargement, it may be necessary to perform some tests to determine if there is any cause causing the vegetation. Some of the studies that the medical expert can prescribe are:
- Sleep studies to rule out sleep apnea.
- X-ray of the paranasal sinuses to rule out sinusitis.
Treatment of adenoid vegetations
Since some people with adenoid hypertrophy do not have any symptoms, this condition is likely to improve without the need for any medications or treatment. However, when the cause is a virus, bacteria, or infection, it will be necessary to take antibiotics to treat the pathology. Thus, the adenoids will regain their average size once the disease is over.
In some cases, the specialist may suggest removing the adenoids, especially when inflamed without an apparent cause, produce symptoms and discomfort and are accompanied by other conditions such as recurrent tonsillitis, sinusitis, or large turbinates that make breathing and air transit even more difficult—the nasal cavity.
Surgery to remove the adenoids is called an adenoidectomy. It is most commonly performed in children and is usually done in conjunction with tonsil removal. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and newer methods use electrocautery to remove tissue and immediately stop bleeding. Once the operation is finished, it may be necessary to stay in hospitalization and observation for a day.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Adenoid vegetation: symptoms, causes, and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.