Adenoids are tonsils located in the nasopharynx and are the first barrier for infections and bacteria. Inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils - adenoiditis - regularly affects children 3-7 years old, and have suffered such diseases as measles, scarlet fever. After reaching 10-12 years, when the immune system is almost completely formed, the pharyngeal tonsil decreases and disappears. But doctors fix the phenomenon of adenoiditis in some adults.
Symptoms and signs of adenoiditis
Adenoiditis can be expressed in the following symptoms:
- pain in the back of the throat;
- swelling of the nasopharynx and breathing problems;
- increase in temperature to 39 degrees;
- an increase in the lymph nodes located on the neck under the cheekbones;
- possible discharge from the nose (mucus or pus);
- night cough;
- headache;
- a decrease in the general tone of the body (lethargy, weakness, drowsiness, decreased appetite).
When examined by a specialist using a special mirror, the signs of adenoiditis become noticeable:
- redness and swelling of the posterior nasopharynx;
- tonsils are enlarged in size and are more friable.
The above signs and symptoms of adenoiditis can be observed not only in children, but also in adults with pathologically enlarged tonsils.
Types of adenoiditis
Adenoiditis can be:
- sharp;
- chronic;
- allergic.
Acute adenoiditis is characterized by the occurrence and rapid course of the disease against a background of a viral or infectious process. The above symptoms are typical for acute adenoiditis and are always accompanied by high fever within 3-5 days.
The diagnosis of chronic adenoiditis is made with a long course of inflammation. For chronic adenoiditis, classic symptoms (nasal congestion, coughing, voice changes) are characteristic, but without a rise in temperature during remission. In the exacerbation phase, it is possible to raise the body temperature to 38 degrees. Chronic adenoiditis can lead to the development of diseases of other organs. It can be:
- otitis media;
- eustachiitis ;
- diseases of the broncho-pulmonary system;
- sinusitis.
Allergic adenoiditis, in fact, is one of the types of chronic inflammation of the tonsils. It arises as a result of the action of irritating (allergic) substances on the human body. Symptoms of allergic adenoiditis are a persistent cough, nasal congestion, itching and mucous discharge. As a rule, allergic adenoiditis occurs after the cause of the allergy is eliminated or when its manifestations are stopped with the help of medications (antihistamines).