Adenoids of the 3rd degree in a child: what to do, how to cure?

Adenoids of the 3rd degree are a long-term pathological process characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, accompanied by the growth of adenoid tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil. This pathology negatively affects the general condition of the child. Even 15 years ago, adenoids of the 3rd degree in children were almost never encountered, this is due to the fact that they were removed at early stages. Today, parents and doctors are interested in preserving the pharyngeal tonsil, based on the fact that removal of the tonsils can provoke a decrease in the body's immune defense.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, children of any age suffer from adenoids, however, the age group from 2 to 3 years accounts for 2%, from 3 to 7 years 5%, during puberty up to 14%.

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Causes third-degree adenoids in a child

The main reason for the development of adenoids is the chronic course of the inflammatory process affecting the upper respiratory tract, resulting in blood stagnation. This condition contributes to the reduction of the already fragile immunity in children.

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Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of adenoids include:

• hereditary predisposition;
• refusal of breastfeeding;
• birth trauma;
• severe pregnancy;
• infectious diseases;
• viral diseases;
• immunodeficiency;
• aggravated allergic history;
• unfavorable living conditions.

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Pathogenesis

Most often, adenoids develop against the background of an immunodeficiency state, under the influence of various factors. This condition leads to compensatory proliferation of lymphoid tissue of the pharynx. The critical period in children is preschool age, due to the beginning of the formation of immunological reactivity.

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Symptoms third-degree adenoids in a child

The development of adenoids is a slowly progressing condition, most often the first sign of the disease development is frequently recurring colds. Then the symptoms become more specific.

The pathological process manifests itself in the form of impaired nasal breathing, constant nasal congestion, due to which the child may complain of frequent dizziness, headaches, hearing loss, snoring that interferes with sleep at night, nasal voice, and changes in the timbre of the voice. Chronic apathy is another manifestation of adenoids.

Children with grade 3 adenoids have a characteristic appearance: the mouth is slightly open, due to the growth of tissue in the nasopharynx, the nasolabial folds are smoothed out, the wings of the nose are in a state of tension, sometimes their retraction is noted.

Grade 3 adenoid hypertrophy at the age of 2-3 years can provoke a disruption in the formation of the bones of the skull, the masticatory apparatus, and in some cases even cause dementia.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences of grade 3 adenoids in childhood can be quite serious, the growth of tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil can become a source of a constant infectious process, which will further provoke the development of diseases of the hearing apparatus, respiratory system. Against the background of a constant feeling of nasal congestion, neurological problems develop, such as frequent headaches, nocturnal enuresis, a feeling of anxiety, apathy, inattention, irritability.

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Diagnostics third-degree adenoids in a child

Like any other disease, adenoid diagnostics begins with examination and anamnesis. To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the attending physician may prescribe a number of instrumental and laboratory tests.

Instrumental diagnostics

The following diagnostic methods are considered the most effective in detecting adenoids:

• lateral radiography of the nasopharynx or computed tomography (a method that allows assessing the degree of tissue proliferation of the pharyngeal tonsil);
• endoscopic rhinoscopy (allows you to assess the size of the adenoids, their location, and possible blockage of the opening of the auditory tubes).

Tests

Laboratory diagnostics for grade 3 adenoids in children includes:

• general blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• bacteriological culture from the nasopharynx for microflora and antibiogram;
• immunoglobulin E;
• IFA;
• PCR for possible infections.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics of adenoids is one of the most difficult stages of diagnostics, since it is necessary to differentiate with all volumetric and numerous pathological formations in the nasopharynx. Particular attention should be paid to recurrent adenoids in adults. Recurrent neoplasms can provoke the growth of atypical cells of cancer cells.

Treatment third-degree adenoids in a child

In modern medicine, the approach to treating adenoids should be primarily comprehensive, including drug therapy, homeopathy, physiotherapy and, last but not least, surgical intervention.

Drug treatment

• Derinat

Directions for use: the drug is intended for local use; for the treatment of adenoids, 3-4 drops are prescribed to be instilled into the nasal passages, 5-6 times a day.

Side effects: most often the drug is tolerated without any complications.

Contraindications: intolerance to the substances included in the drug.

• Aqua Maris

Directions for use: 2 drops in each nasal passage 4 times a day.

Side effects: possible development of an allergic reaction.

Contraindications: intolerance to the substances included in the drug. Read also: Avamis for adenoids: treatment regimen

• Dolphin

Directions: pour 240 ml of water at 34-35 degrees into the bottle, screw the cap on tightly, shake. Leaning over the sink, apply the bottle cap to your nostril, hold your breath and spray the contents. The liquid will flow smoothly from one nostril to the other and come out completely.

Side effects: nosebleed, eustachitis.

Contraindications: children under 5 years of age, tumors in the nasopharynx, allergic reaction to the components of the drug, obstruction of the nasal passages, severe curvature of the nasal septum.

• Humer

Directions for use: The drug is prescribed up to 8 times a day, 3-4 injections into each nasal passage.

Side effects: possible development of an allergic reaction.

Contraindications: intolerance to the substances included in the drug.

Vitamins

Adenoids are most often a direct sign of reduced immune protection, therefore vitamins must be used in this situation in a comprehensive manner, necessarily including vitamins B, C, A, D and B6.

Physiotherapy treatment

Today, there are a large number of physiotherapeutic procedures, but not all of them are suitable for the treatment of adenoids. Adenoids are most often a childhood disease, which is why the procedures must be painless, effective and safe. Otolaryngologists prescribe:

• electrophoresis with medicinal preparations;
• darsonvalization;
• UHF therapy;
• induction therapy;
• SMV therapy;
• UHF therapy;
• ultrasound therapy;
• UFO;
• laser therapy.

Folk remedies

Before starting treatment of adenoids in children, it is worth noting that in some cases they go away on their own, however, if the growth of tissue of the pharyngeal tonsil causes discomfort, it is worth undergoing a course of treatment. In addition to drug therapy, traditional medicine recipes show good results.

• Saline solution

To prepare the solution, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm boiled water and rinse the nasopharynx with the resulting solution 2 times a day.

• Fresh beet juice

To prepare the drops, take fresh beet juice, mix it with warm boiled water in a 1:1 ratio, use the home-made drops 2-3 times a day, 2-4 drops in each nostril.

• Honey and lemon juice

For a glass of boiled, cooled water, you need to take a spoon of honey, a couple of drops of lemon juice. Such a drink removes pronounced symptoms of adenoids, bringing significant relief.

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Herbal treatment

• A decoction based on herbal collection

To prepare the decoction, you will need a mixture of thuja, oak bark and eucalyptus, ground into powder. Pour two tablespoons of herbs with a glass of hot water, let it brew for a couple of hours. The resulting decoction must be poured into a clean container and rinse the nasal cavity 2-3 times a day.

• Anti-inflammatory herbal collection

A mixture of sage, chamomile flowers and oak bark has an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect. A tablespoon of herbs should be poured with one glass of hot water, left to brew, strained and rinse the nose several times during the day.

• Herbal collection

The composition of the collection includes: raspberry leaves, mint, linden blossom and sage. Pour the mixture with a liter of warm water, let it brew. It is recommended to take this herbal collection warm, twice a day with a teaspoon of honey.

Homeopathy

• Agraphis nutans

Dosage: used in a dilution of 30

Method of application: the drug is presented in two complexes, the course of treatment is 3-6 months, the treatment can be repeated after a 2-3 week break.

Side effects: not observed

Contraindications: allergic reaction to the substances included in the drug.

• Hydrastitis

Dosage: used in a dilution of 30

Directions for use: 3-4 granules, 3 times a day, half an hour before meals, for one month.

Side effects: allergic reaction

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the granules

• Barita Carbonica

Dosage: used in dilutions of 3, 6 and 30

Method of application: depending on the severity of the disease, a dilution is selected; the drug is used 2-3 times a day.

Side effects: intolerance to the components of the drug

Contraindications: allergy to the components of the drug

Surgical treatment

There are a number of indications for the removal of adenoids in childhood, these include:

• chronic sinusitis;
• snoring that interferes with sleep;
• shortness of breath at night;
• lack of nasal breathing for a long period of time;
• deformation of the facial bones (in young children);
• hearing impairment.

The adenoid removal operation itself lasts a total of 5-7 minutes and is performed under both local and general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on the child's age and general condition.

The postoperative period also proceeds without any special features; during the first few days, children may complain of a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.

Prevention

Prevention of adenoids primarily consists of preventing the development of chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system and acute respiratory infections. This can be achieved by normalizing lifestyle: proper nutrition, daily routine, regular exercise, and hardening. One of the important aspects of prevention is healthy sleep, which should last at least 8 hours a day.

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Forecast

The prognosis depends on the child's general health and the initial cause of the pathological process. In most cases, with timely diagnosis and adequate therapy, the prognosis is favorable, and nasal breathing is completely restored.

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