Adenoids in children: symptoms and treatment with folk remedies

Adenoids in children are a common disease that often occurs between the ages of three to ten years. A constant increase in the nasopharyngeal tonsil leads to frequent colds, discomfort, and a runny nose. You can read about the symptoms of adenoids in a child, their causes and methods of treatment in this article.

What are adenoids?

The human body is unique, and it has everything to protect against harmful viruses and bacteria. Tonsils play a special role, which are an accumulation of lymphoid tissue that produces lymphocytes. They play an important role in the formation of children's immunity. When an infection gets into the body, the tonsils begin to produce protective cells that fight pathogenic bacteria.

In total, six tonsils are located in the pharynx, which form the so-called Pirogov ring. At the age of 3-7 years, the child begins to actively explore the world and communicate with other children, stay more in the team. Usually, kids at this age already attend kindergarten and are constantly infected from the environment by various diseases. As a result, tonsils are under enormous pressure, which they sometimes can’t cope with. Trying to develop as many lymphocytes as possible, they increase in size. Over time, they begin a continuous process of inflammation called adenoiditis. Tonsils cease to fulfill their protective functions, and viruses freely enter the body.

Among the symptoms of adenoids in a child, frequent colds can be noted. Normally, after each disease, the tonsils return to their primary state, but if the child is often sick, then they simply do not have time to decrease. It turns out a kind of vicious circle: frequent colds reduce the level of lymphocyte production, and children begin to get sick more often. Another disease further worsens the general condition of the body. Fortunately, adenoids in a child can be avoided if you follow the recommendations of doctors and conduct timely prevention.

Causes of the appearance of adenoids

The causes of adenoids in children can be completely different. In some cases, a pathological enlargement of lymphatic tissue may occur due to a genetic predisposition. Pathologies in the device of the endocrine and lymphatic system are often inherited. If the parents of a child in childhood had problems with adenoids, then children are likely to experience similar pathologies. Why else can there be persistent inflammation of the tonsils?

• Frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract: sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, etc.
• Pathology of pregnancy and childbirth. Birth injuries, asphyxia or hypoxia can cause the development of adenoids.
• Children's infectious diseases: measles, rubella or whooping cough can give an excessively large load on the baby's immunity.
• Vaccinations.
• Allergic reactions and improper feeding (excess sweet and salty, early weaning).
• Features of the constitution of the child.
• The state of immunodeficiency of the body.
• Environmental factors: poor ecology, polluted air, second-hand smoke.
  

As you can see, there are many reasons for the appearance of adenoids. That is why in big cities, this disease is increasingly being diagnosed in preschool children. Inflammation of the tonsils contributes to adverse environmental conditions and population density. The child is in contact with people everywhere: in kindergarten, in transport, in all public places. And since his immunity is still imperfect, the chances of "getting" an unpleasant complication from another cold are many times higher.

Adenoids of the 1st degree

An increase in nasopharyngeal tonsils occurs gradually. The disease goes through several stages. The first of them is diagnosed when the tonsils block the opening connecting the nose and pharynx by no more than a third. The first degree of adenoiditis is easily treatable, but you can not notice it right away, since the manifestations are not expressed explicitly. What are the symptoms of grade 1 adenoids in children?

• Breathing through the mouth. If you notice that a healthy child breathes more often through the mouth, and not through the nose, then this may be a suspicious symptom.
• Difficulty breathing disrupts the baby’s sleep: he often wakes up because of a stuffy nose, sniffles or snores in his sleep.
• The baby often walks with a runny nose, even if she does not suffer from colds.
  

At the first stage, the symptoms of enlarged adenoids in a child do not manifest themselves very clearly. Most often, difficulties arise precisely at night, since at this time the symptoms of the disease worsen. This happens due to the horizontal position that the child takes. In it, the nasal passages are almost completely blocked by enlarged adenoids, and it becomes much harder to breathe. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to examine the child. After all, the 1st degree of the disease is easier to treat than 2 or 3.

Adenoids in children of the 2nd degree: symptoms

Adenoids of the second degree are diagnosed in the case when they grow, covering half of the vomer (bone of the posterior sections of the nose). Symptoms of grade 2 adenoids in children manifest themselves more clearly:

• The child's voice may change, become a little nasal. Often it seems that the child speaks in the nose.
• At this stage, the nose is almost always blocked, so the child constantly walks with his mouth open.
• Among the symptoms of adenoids in a 4-year-old child, poor sleep and nightmares are often found due to a lack of oxygen.
• The baby eats badly and is often naughty due to general ill health.
• The child has problems with the ears: hearing is reduced, congestion appears.
  

During the acute course of the disease, temperature, weakness and swollen lymph nodes can be added to the above symptoms. Symptoms of adenoids in children may vary depending on the characteristics of the constitution and age. The older the child, the usually less pronounced signs of the disease he has. With age, children can even outgrow adenoids. But the symptoms of adenoids in a child of 2 years have much more pronounced clinical manifestations. As a rule, at this age, the baby cannot clearly explain what is bothering him, therefore, he is often naughty and worried for no reason. The third degree of development of adenoids takes place in an even more acute form.

Adenoids 3 degrees

Adenoids of the third degree is the most advanced stage of the disease, in which swollen tonsils completely block the nasopharyngeal opening. This neglected course of the disease negatively affects not only the physical health of the child, but also mental. The third degree of adenoiditis leads to sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, as well as lag in mental and physical development. How to understand that a child has adenoids? Symptoms of the disease in the advanced stage can not be overlooked:

• Complete absence of nasal breathing. The child constantly breathes through the mouth.
• The face acquires structural changes, the so-called adenoid face. Due to constant breathing by mouth, the lower part of the jaw is extended, the chin is flattened, the wings of the nose are extended.
• Loss of taste buds - due to lack of nasal breathing, the child ceases to partially or completely distinguish tastes and smell.
• Fatigue, drowsiness and headaches often accompany the last stage of the disease.
• Bad sleep, voice changes can also be symptoms and signs of adenoids in the nose of a child.
• Frequent sinusitis and sinusitis.
• A slowdown in the overall development of the child: attention, concentration, cognitive activity - due to oxygen deprivation of the brain, it is especially often seen as a symptom of adenoids in a child 5 years of age or older. Since children are already attending kindergarten or school, lagging behind peers is becoming especially noticeable.

The main danger of adenoiditis is the difficult supply of oxygen to the brain of a child and carbon dioxide poisoning. Because of this, the baby may lag behind in development, because his brain does not receive enough nutrition.

Diagnosis of the disease

Symptoms of adenoids in a 2-year-old child can be easily discerned if the baby is taken to a specialist on time. In the early stages of the disease, which are best treated, only a doctor can see them. For diagnosis, you need to visit an otolaryngologist - it is he who is responsible for the diseases of the "ear-throat-nose". Parents are usually referred to an ENT doctor by their parents, so it is better for them to tell all the alarming factors. What diagnostic methods does the ENT use, is it dangerous and does it hurt the baby?

• Pharyngoscopy - used to determine the general condition of the nasopharynx and tonsils. It is a simple clinical examination of the oral cavity, not involving the use of any additional tools.
• Back and front rhinoscopy. With the help of a special small round-shaped speculum, the ENT examines the nasal passages. But this type of examination can cause a gag reflex, therefore, other methods are usually used to examine very young patients.
• An x-ray of the nasopharynx is a simple and safe way to establish not only the presence or absence of a disease, but also the degree of development of a pathology. X-ray is done in a lateral projection.
• Endoscopy is currently the most informative method. Using a special tube with a micro camera at the end, the doctor can identify the general condition of the organ, the degree of overlap of the hole between the nose and pharynx.

Endoscopy is currently the most indicative way to diagnose enlarged tonsils. It is best to undergo examination at the moment when the child is not sick so that the results are as objective as possible. Parents can also see a photo of the symptoms of adenoids in the nose of the child: the state of the nasopharyngeal tonsil with endoscopy is displayed on the screen.

Treatment regimen

At the moment, the treatment of adenoids in children is of two types: conservative and surgical. Conservative therapy is carried out at 1 and 2 degrees of disease development. As a rule, the doctor prescribes local, restorative treatment and physiotherapy.

• Local treatment affects the main symptoms of adenoids in children: cough, runny nose, ear diseases. To do this, prescribe a washing of the nasal cavity with drugs, vasoconstrictor drops and drugs that strengthen local immunity.
• Then follows a general strengthening treatment, which is aimed at increasing the immunity and general resistance of the child's body. For this, vitamins, immunomodulating and anti-allergic drugs are used.
• Physiotherapy has proven to be quite effective in treating adenoids, so it is often prescribed. Warming up the nose with the help of UV, electrophoresis, UHF and salt lamps help the baby recover faster, so do not neglect these methods.

A great influence on the course of adenoiditis is exerted by the general condition of the child. Many doctors recommend spa treatment, which not only enhances the baby’s immunity, but also gives him a “respite” away from crowded places. Classes of respiratory gymnastics, therapeutic massage and long walks better than any medicine temper the growing body. Some parents use homeopathic remedies, which are selected strictly individually.

Is adenoid surgery indicated?

Symptoms of adenoids in a child of 2 years and older can be so severe that doctors recommend a tonsil surgery. This method is used only in extreme cases, for example, if conservative treatment has failed. Adenotomy is performed in a hospital under general or local anesthesia. What other indications are there for the operation?

• Frequent inflammation of the adenoids (more than 4 times a year).
• Sleep apnea.
• Deformation of the jaw and chest.
• Hearing impairment or loss of hearing.
• Lag in physical or mental development.

But removal of adenoids also has their opponents. In Russia, this operation is quite often performed, but abroad they resort to surgical intervention only in extreme cases. It is traditionally believed that adenoids are an accumulation of harmful microorganisms, which are the cause of frequent diseases of the child. But their removal is not a guarantee of the baby’s health. A breeding ground for viruses and bacteria can easily be found in both the ear and nose. In order to avoid useless surgery, you can take a smear on bacteria with a determination of sensitivity to antibiotics. Prescribing the right antibacterial drugs can effectively cure adenoiditis.

Consequences and Complications

If the symptoms of adenoids in a child are not paid in due time, the consequences can be very serious.

• Frequent colds can occur due to a decrease in the body's resistance.
• Decreased hemoglobin and red blood cell count.
• Rachiocampsis.
• Speech and hearing impairment.
• Malocclusion due to improper jaw development.
• Chest deformation - it takes the form of a "chicken breast" due to shallow breathing.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Drowsiness, irritability, distracted attention.
• Impaired renal function.

Prevention

As in many other cases, adenoids are easier to prevent than to cure. Prevention of adenoiditis is to build healthy habits of the child and the development of the baby in a favorable environmental situation:

• The formation of healthy eating habits, the abundance in the diet of fresh vegetables and fruits supports the immunity and overall health of the child.
• Gradual hardening and seasonal intake of vitamins. In most of the territory of Russia there is very little sun in winter, so vitamin D intake is mandatory.
• Timely treatment of infections. It happens that a child picks up an infection, but parents try to cure it with folk remedies, as a result of which the baby has complications: bronchitis or otitis media. Compliance with all the instructions of doctors helps to avoid undesirable consequences.
• In winter, it is best to install a humidifier in the room, which will saturate the dry air with moisture.
• Daily walks in the fresh air and clothes on the weather have a magical effect on the child’s immunity. And these very simple methods are best not to be neglected.

Adenoids in children: symptoms and treatment with folk remedies

With the symptoms, everything is clear: attentive parents will be able to notice them even in the initial stages, and doctors can easily diagnose this disease. But what to do then? Many parents do not want to poison the child with chemistry, so they resort to the help of folk remedies. They can offer their methods in almost any issue. With adenoiditis, folk remedies are well used as an additional type of treatment or for the prevention of this disease.

• An infusion of horsetail gargle neutralizes pathogenic bacteria. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute two tablespoons of the herb with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for an hour. The minimum course duration is 1 week.
• Ointment from St. John's wort and celandine juice is often used as drops in the nose.
• Good help with increased adenoids washing with saline solution of the nose and throat. Instead, you can also use a collection of oak bark, hypericum flowers or calendula.
• Thuja oil must be instilled several times a day into each nostril for a week.
• Also, the nose is washed with the following solution: blackcurrant leaves, chamomile flowers and calendula insist along with the fruits of viburnum and rose hips. The resulting infusion is washed nose for three days.

In folk medicine, there are many recipes aimed at curing enlarged adenoids. All of them are based on natural ingredients, and provide for regular instillation or washing. Combining traditional treatment, general preventive measures to improve the body and alternative methods, you can quickly cure the symptoms of adenoids in the nose of a child. Photos of the disease clearly show how painful the process can be for the child, so you need to start treatment as soon as possible.