Adenoiditis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about adenoiditis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will my son still be able to fight off infections if he has his adenoids out?
- What's the difference between the adenoids and the tonsils?
- Will having an adenoidectomy help stop my daughter from getting a cold?
Will my son still be able to fight off infections if he has his adenoids out?
Yes. Your son will still be able to fight off infections without adenoids.
Explanation
There is no evidence that having adenoids taken out impairs a child's ability to fight off an infection.
In young children, the adenoids and the tonsils help to fight off infection. They do this by helping the child's immune system to produce antibodies against bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose. However, the body has other means of fighting off infection, and the function of the adenoids and tonsils becomes less important as children get older. In fact there is no evidence that adenoids or tonsils are important after the age of three.
Sources
- Adenoid surgery. ENT.UK - British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists - Head & Neck Surgeons. www.entuk.org, accessed 14 January 2009
- Adenoidectomy. eMedicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 16 January 2009
What's the difference between the adenoids and the tonsils?
The adenoids and tonsils are very similar. They are part of the same type of tissue, called the lymphoid tissue. However they are located in different parts of the throat.
Explanation
Both the adenoids and the tonsils are part of a collection of tissue called lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue helps the body to fight infection.
The tonsils are located on either side of the back of your throat. You can see them when you open your mouth. The adenoids are located higher up in your throat and further back, where your nose meets your throat. You won't be able to see your child's adenoids through his or her mouth, as they are too high up. The tonsils and adenoids can become infected at the same time, or separately.
Sources
- Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2nd ed. New York: Pocket Books, 2003:1596-1597
- Gross CW, Harrison SE. Tonsils and adenoids. Pediatr Rev 2000; 21(3):75-78
Will having an adenoidectomy help stop my daughter from getting a cold?
No, having her adenoids out will not stop your daughter from getting colds and other viruses.
Explanation
A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. You can still catch a cold if you have had your adenoids removed. Having an adenoidectomy has not been shown to reduce the number of colds children get, or how severe their colds are.
If your child has enlarged adenoids however, having an adenoidectomy may make nasal congestion (stuffiness) less of a problem for your child when he or she has a cold. It may also help to reduce the number of middle ear infections your child gets, if this has been a problem.
Sources
- Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al. The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 2nd ed. New York: Pocket Books, 2003:1596-1597
- Adenoid surgery. ENT.UK - British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists - Head & Neck Surgeons. www.entuk.org, accessed 14 January 2009
Related topics
- Adenoid removal in children (adenoidectomy)
- Adenoid and tonsil removal in children (adenotonsillectomy)
- Tonsillitis
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
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