Swollen Adenoids in Children

Adenoid is a term that is used to refer to a mass of lymphoid tissues, which are situated above the nasopharynx and behind the nose. This is the part where the mouth meets the nose. Both the adenoids and the tonsils form a part of the body’s lymphatic system and they are responsible for preventing the respiratory tract from infections of the larynx, pharynx and sinuses. Although both the tonsils and the adenoids constitute a part of the body’s lymphatic system to ward off infections, the adenoids however, lose importance as one’s immune system develops and thus disappear eventually over time. They generally start growing from birth till the child is about 6-7, after which they begin shrinking gradually and once the immune system has developed, they disappear sometime in the teenage years. As adenoids tend to be immature and soft in young children, they are very often susceptible to various kinds of infections.

Adenoids when enlarged or inflamed can create a large number of physical problems. Difficulty in hearing and breathing, loss of smell, sinus and ear infections, are few of the conditions that are caused by inflamed or swollen adenoids. Here are a few home remedies for enlarged adenoids condition. Warm a teaspoon of olive oil on a low fire. Once the oil has cooled to a favorable temperature (but is still warm) pour a few drops of the warm oil into the child’s ears. This should be done on a daily basis to help reduce inflammation. Garlic juice is also considered to be effective for this condition. Crush a 2-3 garlic pods in-order to extract the juice. Now pour 2-3 drops of the juice into the child’s ears, after which dry the ears with the help of a hair dryer.

Make a mixture by combining a teaspoon each of lemon juice, honey and a dash of black pepper. The mixture should be fed to the child twice a day for two days. This is also an effective remedy to cure inflamed adenoids. Make sure that your child has a sufficient intake of calcium, zinc and Vitamin C, as they help in boosting the immune system. Including foods that are rich in these vitamins will help in combating infection. Include plenty of fresh fruits and green leafed vegetables in his/ her diet, as they will supply the body with all the essential nutrients required for fighting infections. If none of these remedies are successful in providing respite, then consult the child’s pediatrician immediately.