The adenoids are located above the tonsils, at the back of the nose. Tonsils and adenoids are the part of our lymphatic system; they are much helpful to protect us from infection by germs coming through our mouth and nose.An enlarged tonsil is the unusual growth of the adenoid tonsil that normally exists in the nasopharynx of children.

Causes of enlarged adenoids

• Infection
• Congenital
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Allergy
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Symptoms of adenoids

If there is swelling in the adenoids, nasal breathing becomes difficult as they interfere with airflow through nose so that the child has to breathe from his or her mouth which can cause heavy snoring at night.  Nasal tone in speech can also be there when there are swollen adenoids. For normal sound articulation the cavities of mouth and nose must be normal and the air passage should be unobstructed.  When patient takes breath through mouth it can also case dryness, and the child may feel thirsty all the time.

As the adenoids fight off infection, lymphocytes – both dead and alive- are released in the form of pus. Child can have as a discharge from the nose, which can be easily distinguished by clear , watery discharge of runny cold. The child try to sniff in order to make it make it clear but it then runs down in the throat, and causes cough. This cough is more often in the night and is a characteristic sign of infected adenoids. In the morning time, swallowed pus may cause vomiting.

Complications of swollen/enlarged adenoids

When adenoids are swollen they can cause blockage in the Eustachian tubes; these run through the skull bones from the middle ear to the pharynx. The main function of tube is to equalize the pressure inside the middle ear with the outside pressure. When there is blockage of tube, the pressure cannot be balanced, and in this condition secretions in the ear cannot drain from the inside which cause “glue ear”, in which hearing apparatus becomes stuck together by secretions inside. And when secretions become infected, causes otitis media. This is a very painful condition and may cause hearing impairment in the child permanently. If it is untreated, the eardrums often burst to release infection.

Diagnosis

Examination of postnasal space is possible in some young children and an adenoid mass can be seen with a mirror. A rigid or flexible nasopharyngoscope is also useful to see details of the nasopharynx. Soft tissue lateral radiograph of nasopharynx will reveal the size of adenoids and also the extent to which nasopharyngeal air spaces has been compromised. Detailed nasal examination should always be conducted to exclude other causes of nasal obstruction.

Homeopathic treatment of infected/enlarged adenoids

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat enlarged/infected adenoid but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat enlarged/infected that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of enlarged/infected adenoids:

Agraphis – child breaths through mouth and has enlarged tonsils. Adenoids of the throat, deafness

Tuberculinum – weak children with the history of tuberculosis in the family.

Calcaria carb – obese children, whose head perspires at night and who take cold very easily

Calcaria phos – children with enlarged tonsils, chronic enlargement of the adenoids

Sulphur – children who have dread of bathing and are always hungry with nasal polyps.

Calcaria iod – adenoids with enlarged tonsils and cough

Baryta iod – mentally retarded children with frequent attacks of tonsillitis

Merc iod – is a another remedy which should be remembered in the treatment of adenoids

Cistus can – scrofulous swelling and suppuration of the glands of throat, burning high up behind uvula, Must swallow saliva to relieve dryness