Adenoids, also known as nasopharyngeal tonsils, are located at the junction of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx. They are a type of lymphoid tissue that is present at birth and undergoes physiological enlargement until around the age of six. After that, they tend to shrink and almost completely disappear by the age of 20.
Adenoids can cause trouble when they undergo physiological enlargement in childhood or when children have a tendency to generalized lymphoid hyperplasia, in which adenoids also participate. Recurrent episodes of rhinitis, sinusitis, or chronic tonsillitis can lead to chronic infection and enlargement of the adenoids. Allergies affecting the upper respiratory tract can also contribute to adenoid enlargement.
Ayurvedic medicine ukNasal obstruction is the most common symptom associated with enlarged adenoids. This leads to mouth breathing as the child finds it difficult to breathe through the nose. Nasal obstruction can also interfere with feeding or suckling in infants, as respiration and feeding cannot occur simultaneously. Consequently, children with enlarged adenoids may fail to thrive.
Nasal discharge is another symptom, which is partly due to choanal obstruction. Normal nasal secretions are unable to drain into the nasopharynx, leading to a wet, bubbly nose. Chronic rhinitis may also contribute to the nasal discharge.
Sinusitis is commonly associated with enlarged adenoids. Chronic maxillary sinusitis can occur due to the persistence of nasal discharge and infection. Conversely, primary maxillary sinusitis can lead to infected and enlarged adenoids. Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can occur when the adenoids are acutely inflamed and the child blows their nose. Voice changes can occur, characterized by a toneless voice that loses its nasal quality due to nasal obstruction.
Chronic nasal obstruction and mouth breathing can result in a characteristic facial appearance known as adenoid facies. This includes an elongated face with a dull expression, a prominent open mouth for breathing, crowded upper teeth, and a hitched-up upper lip. The nose may appear pinched-in due to disuse atrophy of the alae nasi. Additionally, the hard palate may be highly arched as the normal molding action of the tongue on the palate is lost when the child keeps their mouth open for breathing.
The following are commonly used medicines in the context of adenoid-related symptoms:
Sooryaprabha Gulika: A traditional Ayurvedic medicine used for respiratory conditions, including nasal congestion and cough.Chukkumthippalyadi Gulika: A herbal formulation used in Ayurveda to relieve respiratory congestion, cough, and throat discomfort.Thippali Rasayana: An Ayurvedic preparation made from long pepper that is believed to have respiratory benefits and help alleviate nasal congestion.
Hinguvachadi Gulika: A herbal formulation used in Ayurveda for digestive disorders, including bloating and gas trouble. Guggulupanchapala Churna: A herbal powder formulation that includes guggul resin and other ingredients, used in Ayurveda for respiratory and digestive disorders. Yavaksharadi vati: A tablet formulation used in Ayurveda for urinary tract disorders and to support overall urinary health. Gandoosha (gargling) of Triphala choorna with honey: A traditional Ayurvedic practice of gargling with a mixture of Triphala choorna (a combination of three fruits) and honey, believed to promote oral and throat health.