What are Adenoids?
Adenoids and tonsils are commonly referred to in one breath, and rightfully so. Both tonsils and adenoids are part of the Waldeyer’s ring in the human body, a ring of glandular tissue that encircles the back of the throat. Adenoids and tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue that is thought to develop antibodies during the first year of life. While tonsils are easily seen by looking into the mouth, the placement of the adenoids makes viewing them more difficult. They are located high in the throat, just behind the nose and roof of the mouth (soft palate). Despite the common myth that adenoids act as a sponge to trap bacteria, the most recent research dispels that belief. Doctors now believe that neither the adenoids nor the tonsils serve any purpose after a person’s first year of development, and because of this, they can be removed with no adverse affect. Studies show that people who have had their tonsils and adenoids removed have no higher incidence of infection throughout their liv
The adenoids (say: add-eh-noids) are lumpy clusters of spongy tissue that help protect kids from getting sick. They sit high on each side of the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth. Although you can easily see your tonsils by standing in front of a mirror and opening your mouth wide, you can’t see your adenoids this way. A doctor has to use a small mirror or a special scope to get a peek at your adenoids. Like tonsils, adenoids help keep your body healthy by trapping harmful bacteria and viruses that you breathe in or swallow. Adenoids also contain cells that make antibodies to help your body fight infections. Adenoids do important work as infection fighters for babies and little kids. But they become less important once a kid gets older and the body develops other ways to fight germs. Some doctors believe that adenoids may not be important at all after kids reach their third birthday. In fact, adenoids usually shrink after about age 5, and by the teenage years they often
