Rajeev Reddy1
INTRODUCTION: Adenoids are small lumps of tissue located at the back of throat above the tonsils. They are the part of immune system, which helps fight infection and protects the body from bacteria and viruses. Adenoids are commonly present in children. They start to grow from birth and reach their maximum size when the child is approximately 3 to 5 years old.[2] By the time the child is 14 years old, the adenoids start to shrink away. By late teens, they are barely visible. By adulthood, the adenoids generally disappear completely. The adenoids shrink and eventually disappear because they are not an essential part of the body’s immune system.[3] Although they may be helpful in children, the body has much more effective ways of coping with infections.
Adenoids may become swollen or enlarged due to:
*Infection with bacteria or virus. Although the infection will eventually clear up, the adenoids may remain enlarged.[4]
*Allergies: Allergens can sometimes induce adenoidal hypertrophy.
