Anatomy
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Adenoids?

KN
KN

Adenoids and tonsils are commonly referred to in one breath, and rightfully so. Both tonsils and adenoids are part of the Waldeyer's ring in the human body, a ring of glandular tissue that encircles the back of the throat. Adenoids and tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue that is thought to develop antibodies during the first year of life. While tonsils are easily seen by looking into the mouth, the placement of these structures makes viewing them more difficult. They are located high in the throat, just behind the nose and roof of the mouth (soft palate).

Despite the common myth these structures act as a sponge to trap bacteria, the most recent research dispels that belief. Doctors now believe that neither the adenoids nor the tonsils serve any purpose after a person's first year of development, and because of this, they can be removed with no adverse affect. Studies show that people who have had their tonsils and adenoids removed have no higher incidence of infection throughout their lives than those with these structures intact.

Swollen adenoids can cause snoring.
Swollen adenoids can cause snoring.

The decision to surgically remove the adenoids, a procedure called an adenoidectomy, is usually made due to chronic infection that causes swelling. When the structures are inflamed and enlarged, they may create a wide range of physical problems. Some of the conditions caused by swelling include: bad breath, difficulty breathing and hearing, snoring, a "stuffy-sounding" voice, ear infections, recurring sinus infections and even loss of smell. As a person ages, the adenoids normally shrink. However, for those who continue to have swollen adenoids because they were not removed during childhood, the health problems during adulthood can include sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension and sometimes, right-sided heart failure.

Swollen adenoids can lead to bad breath.
Swollen adenoids can lead to bad breath.

It is the norm to automatically perform an adenoidectomy if a tonsillectomy is scheduled, but tonsils are not always removed during this procedure. The decision to perform both surgeries at once is predicated upon whether the patient has also experienced chronic tonsillitis and whether the tonsils themselves are enlarged. While the surgery is a fairly routine procedure, it requires general anesthesia, takes about 15 minutes, and normally calls for an overnight stay in the hospital. When both tonsils and adenoids are removed at once, the procedure is a little more complicated and may entail a hospital stay of a couple of days.

When both adenoids and tonsils are removed at the same time, the surgery is more complicated and may require a few days in the hospital.
When both adenoids and tonsils are removed at the same time, the surgery is more complicated and may require a few days in the hospital.

After the surgery, patients are treated with a series of antibiotics, and pain relievers as needed. The prognosis for recovery from an adenoidectomy, or the combination of an adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy, is excellent and most patients are fully recovered within several days to a week.

Discussion Comments

PelesTears

@ Anon21425- I would like to add a little about treating tonsil and adenoid infections. Make sure the antibiotics are taken to term, and take probiotics once the antibiotics are done. If your partner stops taking the antibiotics early, or is inconsistent in taking the antibiotics, the bacteria will come back. The probiotics will also help to replenish all of the good bacteria that the antibiotics killed. This will help prevent recurring infections.

GlassAxe

@ Anon21425- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are often the result of a contagious infection. The cause is usually streptococcus virus (strep throat), and it can enlarge both the tonsils and adenoids. I am not sure if enlarged adenoids cause bad breath, but one of the symptoms of tonsillitis is bad breath.

Your partner should let a physician check his/her adenoids as soon as possible because there are antibiotic treatments that can prevent surgery. The adenoids are part of the immune system and lymph system, so if your partner can save his/her adenoids it would be beneficial. Infections are not usually serious, but they can cause extreme discomfort, and surgery is never fun.

anon21425

my partner has infected and enlarged adenoids is this contagious? i.e. can it be transmitted? In addition my partner also has bad breath even after brushing could this be caused by enlarged adenoids?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Swollen adenoids can cause snoring.
      By: Tracy King
      Swollen adenoids can cause snoring.
    • Swollen adenoids can lead to bad breath.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Swollen adenoids can lead to bad breath.
    • When both adenoids and tonsils are removed at the same time, the surgery is more complicated and may require a few days in the hospital.
      By: Tom Wang
      When both adenoids and tonsils are removed at the same time, the surgery is more complicated and may require a few days in the hospital.
    • Adenoids continue to grow until a person reaches the age of six.
      By: Monkey Business
      Adenoids continue to grow until a person reaches the age of six.
    • Doctors believe that neither the tonsils nor the adenoids serve a purpose after a person's first year of development.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Doctors believe that neither the tonsils nor the adenoids serve a purpose after a person's first year of development.