Cure Enlarged Adenoids in Children - Adenoidectomy

When you open your mouth wide, you will notice two small tissue masses on either side of the back of your throat. These are your tonsils. Just above them and further back in your throat near the nasal passages lay a pair of glands known as the adenoids. Adenoids are important glands, as they help protect the body against bacterial and viral infections. They play a key role in filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping germs that pass through the nose and mouth. But like tonsils, adenoids are vulnerable to infection as they are part of the continuously functioning lymphatic system. If the adenoids become infected, they get inflamed and swollen, leading to a health problem known as adenoiditis. Most adults do not suffer from adenoiditis. In fact, the adenoids begin shrinking naturally by age 5 and virtually disappear by the teen years. Thus, adenoiditis is a condition primarily occurring in children. Apart from infections, allergies, a weak immune system, tonsillitis and tangier disease can also lead to adenoiditis. Some common symptoms of adenoiditis are a sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen neck glands, ear pain and even an ear infection. Additional symptoms may include breathing through the mouth, speaking with a nasal tone, difficulty or pain when swallowing, difficulty sleeping, snoring and even sleep apnea. Proper diagnosis of the problem is important. So, see your doctor if you suspect your child has adenoiditis. In many cases, antibiotic medication or even surgery is suggested for treatment. However, before opting for a surgery or antibiotics that can come with a variety of side effects, you can try some natural remedies to reduce the size of the adenoids.

Salt Water Gargle
The best and the most effective remedy for enlarged adenoids in children is gargling with salt water. While the warm water has a soothing effect on the sore throat, the salt helps kill the microbes that cause the infection. Also, the salt will help relieve pain and bring down the swelling. 1. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water. 2.Make your child gargle with the solution. Be sure that your child spits it out after gargling and does not swallow it. 3. Repeat this as often as possible throughout the day for a speedy recovery.

Cod Liver Oil
Another good remedy is cod liver oil. It contains several nutrients including selenium that support effective lymphatic flow. Also, the essential fats in the oil help reduce inflammation, thus helping to shrink the adenoids. A 2004 study published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology notes that daily supplementation of lemon-flavored cod liver oil and a multivitamin-mineral supplement for children can help reduce upper respiratory tract infections in children over time. Plus, vitamins A, D and omega 3 fatty acids present in cod liver oil provide anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cod liver oil can be found as a supplement or liquid. For children under 12, the liquid form is best. You can give about 1 teaspoon of it to your child (age 1 years or more) daily. You can also consult your doctor regarding the dosage and how to give cod liver oil to your child.

Garlic
The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help deal with enlarged adenoids. The compounds can destroy and combat pathogenic or disease-producing bacteria. They are also effective in controlling and reversing the inflammatory process in the body. For treating enlarged adenoids, garlic should be consumed raw. 1. Give your child 1 to 2 smashed garlic cloves mixed with a little lemon juice and honey, 2 or 3 times a day. 2. If your child is a fan of salad or pasta, you can also mix a healthy amount of garlic into those dishes.