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Effective treatment of adenoids in children at home

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Today, the treatment of adenoids in children is becoming increasingly important and relevant in medicine. Doctors try various methods and techniques that allow you to get rid of this disease. Adenoids are pathological growths of the pharyngeal tonsil that occur in children. Usually, by the age of 18, this problem stops bothering. But before that, it is a serious problem for many children and their families. In addition, adenoids are fraught with serious complications, and even developmental delays. In many cases, they occur after the child has overcome infectious diseases. Children who spend a lot of time in public places, attend kindergartens and additional clubs are especially susceptible to this disease. The peak incidence is at 3-10 years. But in recent years, adenoids have been increasingly found in younger children.

The disease begins slowly. At first, the child often gets sick, the diseases are quite protracted, difficult to treat, and there are frequent relapses. The adenoid tissue grows from the infection, the child has difficulty breathing, and snores at night. The child increasingly gasps for air. Quite often, adenoids are detected only during a preventive examination. A routine examination of the nose is not enough to detect this pathology: a professional consultation with a specialist is required, who can detect the pathology with the help of special instruments.

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Indications for treatment of adenoids

A direct indication for treatment is adenoiditis itself – inflammation of the adenoid tissue, its proliferation, which is diagnosed by the doctor during the examination. Indirect indications for the need for treatment include long-term colds, frequent relapses, constant runny nose, nasal congestion, which are practically untreatable. An indication is difficulty breathing, in which the child breathes through the mouth, snores at night, constant chronic diseases of the nose and throat.

Treatment of adenoids of the 1st degree in children

This is the initial form, which already significantly complicates the child's life, reduces the quality of life and causes a lot of trouble for parents. The child becomes capricious, breathes through the mouth, snores at night, often gets sick. The illnesses are long-term, exhaust the child, and are not treatable. Recovery is accompanied by new relapses. Mucus is constantly released from the nose, there is constant swelling. The child also changes externally: he looks tired, exhausted, the face acquires an irregular shape, swelling.

Already at this stage, the disease requires treatment. If treatment is neglected, the disease inevitably moves to the second stage, which is fraught with more serious pathologies and numerous complications. At this stage, adenoids are most easily treated. Non-surgical treatment is still possible here. A positive result can be achieved by using medications, physiotherapy, homeopathic preparations. Traditional medicine has also proven itself well, which has numerous recipes for this case.

But, unfortunately, even at the first stage there are cases when surgical intervention cannot be avoided. In this case, it is better to consult with several specialists, who will help you navigate the situation and choose the best course of action. The fact is that adenoids are the main organs of the immune system, which provide protection of the body from infection. They become inflamed in case of overload, with excessive fight against infection. Sometimes there is so much infection in the body that the adenoids cannot fight it, become inflamed and themselves become a source of infection. Often, antibacterial or antiviral therapy helps to reduce the level of microbial contamination and reduce the inflammatory process. It is necessary to understand that after the removal of adenoids, the body becomes defenseless against infection.

Treatment of adenoids of the 2nd degree in children

The second stage is more severe. The symptoms that were present at the first stage intensify. The inflammation focus and the volume of growths increase. The child is already constantly breathing through the nose. Often at this stage, traditional treatment with medications and homeopathy is ineffective. Many doctors try to cure adenoids with the help of resort rehabilitation, climatotherapy.

Indeed, the resorts of Crimea and the Caucasus have a positive effect on the child's body as a whole, eliminate inflammatory and infectious processes, and improve the immune system. Specialized sanatoriums provide various services for the treatment of adenoids and recovery of the body. The power of sea water is used, which, due to its composition, has a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the nose, on the state of the immune system. The complex effect of climate, sea water, sun, fresh air, local flora and fauna, algae and simply the pleasure that the child gets from rest, contribute to the restoration of the body, increased resistance and resistance to diseases. The immune system begins to actively fight infection, which leads to a decrease in the inflammatory process and infection. As a result, the lymphoid tissue is also normalized.

Also at this stage, various physiotherapeutic means are used, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, various types of light and heat exposure. With the help of electrophoresis, drugs are administered. Under the influence of microcurrents, substances penetrate deep into the tissues, which helps reduce inflammation. Medicines, vitamin complexes, calcium are administered. The advantage of this method of treatment is high efficiency, deep penetration into tissues, the need for small dosages of the drug. Antibacterial and immunomodulatory agents are used.

If such treatment is ineffective, surgery will be required. It is better not to let it reach the third stage, since it is fraught with serious complications, affects the state of the body as a whole, and causes complications in other organs. Today, there are the latest techniques that allow you to remove adenoids quickly and painlessly. For example, laser removal. In this case, the operation does not require general anesthesia, is fairly quick and does not entail any complications. Also at this stage, laser therapy is actively used, in which the inflamed tissue is exposed to laser radiation, which helps to reduce it. At this stage, traditional and alternative medicine, treatment with folk remedies can be used as additional methods. These methods are especially effective at the stage of postoperative rehabilitation.

Treatment of adenoids of the 3rd degree in children

Adenoids of the 3rd degree are a severe stage of the disease, which is characterized not only by a severe inflammatory process, but also by complications in other organs. The child often has hearing loss, and vision is significantly reduced. Constant inflammatory processes, otitis, and tubootitis are observed. In some cases, purulent exudate accumulates in the ear, which requires surgical removal.

At this stage, surgical treatment methods are almost always used, since further treatment with medications and homeopathy is inappropriate. In addition, the risk of even more serious complications increases. Even immune system disorders and developmental delays are possible. The disease also has a negative impact on the child's mental development: his condition and well-being noticeably worsen, lethargy and apathy appear. The child has no desires, hobbies, he avoids communication with peers, and develops self-doubt. Many children become whiny and aggressive. Learning ability and attentiveness decrease. The child becomes inattentive and restless.

The child's appearance also changes significantly. Constant swelling appears, which changes the shape of the face. Since the mouth is almost always open and the child breathes through the nose, the lower jaw becomes droopy, the lips become chapped, and the teeth begin to grow incorrectly. This especially affects the incisors. Even the dental formula and the structure of the jaw itself change.

In this case, removal will probably be the best decision. There is no need to be afraid of this, since modern operations can be performed even without pain and blood. Local anesthesia is used, the child will feel relief in 15 minutes. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. The recovery period is short, complications are extremely rare. Another unpleasant manifestation is the likelihood of nocturnal enuresis.

Methods of treating adenoids in children

Traditionally, there are two main methods of treatment - conservative and surgical. The conservative method does not imply the need for surgical intervention. It includes drug treatment, during which a wide range of drugs are used. Preparations based on plant extracts, antibacterial, immunomodulating agents, various drops and nasal products have become very popular. Hormonal drugs can be prescribed.

You should not neglect folk remedies, herbs, homeopathy. Inhalations, rinsing, various physiotherapeutic procedures are often used. The doctor may recommend aromatherapy, salt therapy sessions, during which the child will visit special salt rooms and mines. Many doctors recommend therapeutic exercise and special breathing exercises that activate the immune system, relieve inflammation, and reduce the size of the adenoids.

Many specialists try to resort to surgical methods only after all conservative means have been tried. If they are ineffective, in most cases, surgery becomes the only rational therapeutic method. After surgery, recovery does not last long, but some supportive therapy may be needed for some time. Usually, surgery helps to get rid of this problem once and for all. Recurrent growths are rare. Highly effective means are treatment with natural resources, climatotherapy, sanatorium treatment, which have proven themselves well as rehabilitation measures after surgery.

Treatment of adenoids in children with surgery

Most often, surgical interventions are performed when conservative therapy is ineffective, as well as when complications occur. The main indication for surgery to remove adenoids in a child is hearing loss, rapid increase in the size of adenoids. In case of suffocation, nocturnal respiratory arrest, frequent inflammatory processes, the operation is performed urgently.

Before the operation, the child must be carefully prepared. First, psychological preparation is important. The child must be explained that the doctor will perform some manipulations, after which his condition will noticeably improve. It must be said that he will have to endure for some time, it will not hurt, since a special agent will be injected, thanks to which, even if it hurts a little, the child will not feel this pain. Then you need to create a certain motivation, for example, suggest that the child imagine himself as the hero of a fairy tale in which he fights with adenoids, and will definitely defeat them. Or promise something in return.

Once the child is psychologically ready, you can begin preparing for the operation. The child needs to be comprehensively examined in order to exclude the likelihood of complications before and after the operation, and to identify possible contraindications. It is imperative to consult with a surgeon who will tell you which surgical method is best to use. After this, you must consult an anesthesiologist who selects the best option for pain relief: general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Tests are carried out on the drugs that will be used during anesthesia in order to detect possible allergic and other similar reactions. The most effective drug is also selected. The method of anesthesia is determined based on tests, mental state, age, and other individual indicators of the child. General anesthesia is usually used for babies, and local anesthesia is used for older children.

If additional consultation with any specialist is required, the doctor will inform you about it. Most often, people seek advice from a cardiologist or nephrologist, since the main load during anesthesia falls on the heart and kidneys.

The operation itself can be performed using various methods. The classic method involves removing the inflamed adenoid tissue using a special knife called an adenotome. Many modern clinics prefer laser removal. This is the fastest and most effective method. It is painless and bloodless, and there are no side effects or complications. The child recovers very quickly, since the damaged surface is minimal. When removing using the endoscopic method, special instruments are used that allow the surgical field to be visualized and the image to be displayed on a computer screen. This increases the accuracy and effectiveness of the manipulation, and allows the overgrown tissue to be removed completely, leaving no area for further growth. This eliminates the possibility of relapse.

Some time before the operation, it is necessary to follow a dietary regimen: exclude spicy, fatty dishes, flour, and sweets from the diet. Food should be predominantly hot, boiled, or steamed. It is also recommended to eat a large amount of vegetables and fruits. The night before, food can be taken no later than 7 p.m. Physical activity and hypothermia are also contraindicated. The child should be exempted from sports sections, clubs, and even general physical education.

Contraindications to surgery

The operation may be contraindicated if the patient has blood diseases, decreased coagulability. In case of severe mental illnesses, heart and kidney pathologies, the expediency of the procedure is also questionable. Allergy is a relative contraindication. Also, the operation is not performed in case of acute inflammatory process, high temperature. First, it is necessary to achieve improvement, stabilization of the condition, and then talk about the need for surgical intervention.

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Consequences after surgery

After the operation, bleeding may persist for some time, minor nosebleeds, swelling, hyperemia may be observed. Also, the child often feels weak, slightly unwell, and has a headache. Sometimes nausea may be observed as a reaction to anesthesia. If the child swallowed blood during the operation, vomiting with blood impurities is possible, as well as dyspeptic disorders, pain in the stomach and intestines. Such effects can be avoided with laser removal.

Complications after surgery

In some cases, complications may arise after surgery. Most often, they occur with conventional removal. Complications can often be avoided with laser removal of adenoids.

The main complications are the re-growth of adenoid tissue. This happens with incomplete removal of adenoids, as well as with allergic reactions. Bleeding can also be a complication. The postoperative wound may not heal for a long time, swelling and allergic reactions may occur. There may be an elevated temperature, which indicates an intensive recovery process, or the addition of an infection. Nasal congestion, voice changes, and hoarseness may also persist for some time. Usually, such symptoms disappear after 10 days.

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Post-operative care

Usually, the surgical period varies from 7 to 10 days. In the period after the operation, it is forbidden to take antipyretic drugs, especially aspirin, since they contribute to blood thinning, which increases the tendency to bleeding. For the same reason, hot baths should be excluded. It is necessary to follow a diet: food should be soft, mashed. Hard and spicy food is excluded from the diet. It is necessary to monitor the temperature regime. Food should only be warm. Both hot and cold food can lead to serious complications. It is recommended to eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible. You need to drink as much liquid as possible. Medicines to strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance may be prescribed.

You should avoid sports, establish a daily routine and diet. The doctor will tell you what manipulations need to be done: washing the nose, rinsing, using medications, drops or sprays. This will help relieve swelling and speed up recovery processes. Physiotherapy procedures and inhalations may be required. Physical therapy and breathing exercises have a positive effect. You should also visit the doctor for preventive examinations, since after the removal of adenoids there is always a possibility of their growth.

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Conservative treatment of adenoids in children without surgery

Conservative treatment involves complex therapy, which combines drug treatment, physiotherapy, folk and homeopathic remedies.

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How to reduce adenoids in a child without surgery?

There are various medications, drops and sprays that help relieve symptoms and alleviate the child's condition. Swelling and inflammation are often relieved, which results in adenoids becoming smaller. Immunomodulating agents are also used, which increase the body's natural resistance and promote active fight against infectious and inflammatory diseases by the body's own efforts. If these agents are ineffective, hormonal therapy may be required. Today, there are agents that help fight the disease without causing harm to the body. Many medications have only a local effect and are not absorbed into the blood, and are prescribed even to babies.

Electrophoresis, which facilitates deep penetration of the drug directly into the lymphoid tissue, is also widely used in medical practice. Other procedures may be required. Sanatorium treatment has a huge positive effect. This is due to the fact that in addition to effectively selected therapy, the possibilities of natural resources are also used, including sea water and the sun. A positive emotional mood and the child's rest have an effect.

Treatment of adenoids in children at home

When treating at home, self-medication should never be done. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. At home, you can use prescribed remedies, connect folk methods, and carry out rinsing. They are the most important part of the treatment, since they help cleanse the mucous membrane from infection. As a result, the infectious and inflammatory process decreases, and the adenoid tissue significantly decreases in size. For rinsing, both clean water and various herbal decoctions, sea water, and solutions of some drugs are used. At home, you can use drops, sprays, and inhalations using a nebulizer.

The advantage of home treatment over inpatient treatment is that the child is in a familiar environment where he or she will feel psychologically comfortable. It is necessary to create a favorable psychological climate that will promote a speedy recovery and calm. It is recommended to practice breathing exercises with the child, do special relaxing and meditative practices. The child needs to be psychologically tuned to recovery, to the fact that everything will be fine. You can organize an aromatherapy session, in which various essential oils are used. The nasal cavity is lubricated with oil. Various ointments can also be used.

Drops for the treatment of adenoids in children

For the treatment of adenoids, both conventional vasoconstrictor nasal drops and hormonal sprays are often used. Such products as Flixonase and Avamis have proven themselves well. Although these drugs contain hormones, they are relatively safe. This is achieved due to the local effect of the drugs. If necessary, antiallergic drops and anti-runny nose products (symptomatic therapy) are used. Protargol is used as a drying agent. Isofra and Polydexa have an antibacterial effect. Saline solutions such as Avcalor are used. Using folk remedies, you can prepare drops yourself.

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Treatment of adenoids in children with inhalations

Hardware inhalations are used with the use of various drugs, antiseptics, herbal decoctions. Often preparing inhalations based on a physiological solution. Children are not recommended to inhale over steam. It is advisable to use a nebulizer.

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