Function

• During the early childhood years, the adenoids serve the purpose of protecting children from illnesses by trapping harmful bacteria a child swallows or breathes in. The adenoids are mainly composed of lymphoid tissue. This tissue contains lymphocytes, which are small white cells in the immune system responsible for keeping the body healthy. The lymphocytes help fight infection and disease. As a child ages, the body develops additional ways to fight germs and the adenoids become less important.
  
  

Infection

• In some cases, bacteria infects the adenoids causing temporary swelling. This occurs due to a bacterial invasion from germs trapped behind the adenoids. When swelling or infection occurs, a child experiences ear problems, stuffy nose, trouble swallowing, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, snoring and problems sleeping. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection and reduce the swelling.
  
  

Reasons for Removal

• In certain circumstances, a doctor will perform an adenoidectomy, or adenoid removal. The most common reasons to remove the adenoids include blockage, chronic sinus infections and chronic ear infections. In some cases, the adenoids are too large, causing snoring, breathing problems and sleep apnea. This affects a child's smelling and tasting senses and often leads to an adenoidectomy. In other cases, the adenoids become chronically infected causing recurrent sinus infections, ear infections and the accumulation or fluid or nasal secretions. In these cases, a doctor will recommend an adenoidectomy.
  
  

Adenoidectomy

• To perform an adenoidectomy, an anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to the patient. A surgeon will then shave or scoop the adenoid tissue from the back of the nose with a mirror and a small spoon-like instrument called a curette and dry the surgical site to eliminate low-grade bleeding. Typically, adenoidectomies take no longer than 15 minutes to perform. Following the procedure, most patients experience bad breath for up to 10 days and a sore or stiff neck. The patient may continue eating a normal diet and function at their normal activity level. After 2 to 4 weeks, a doctor will complete an exam to ensure healing and normal function.