Adenoiditis
Inflammation of adenoid tissue, often from viral or bacterial infection.
Adenoiditis is the inflammation of the adenoid tissue, typically caused by an infection. It often produces cold-like symptoms that persist for ten or more days and may include pus-like nasal discharge. Treatment involves medication such as antibiotics or steroids, and severe or recurring cases may require surgical removal of the adenoids.
Quick Facts
- Typical age group
- Childhood, rare after age 15
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Viruses that may cause adenoiditis include adenovirus, rhinovirus, and paramyxovirus.
- Incidence decreases with age due to physiological atrophy of adenoid tissue, making adenoiditis rare in children over 15 years.
Signs and symptoms
Acute adenoiditis presents with fever, runny nose, and nasal airway obstruction leading to oral breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. Rhinorrhea may be serous in viral forms or mucous-purulent in bacterial forms. Viral symptoms usually resolve after 48 hours, while bacterial symptoms can persist up to a week. Adenoiditis may accompany tonsillitis, and repeated episodes can enlarge the adenoids. Complications arise from inflammation spreading to nearby organs.
Pathophysiology
Bacterial biofilms are believed to harbor chronic infection in tonsil and adenoid tissue, contributing to recurrent sinusitis and persistent ear disease. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can obstruct breathing in children, causing sleep apnea. Commonly isolated bacteria include Haemophilus influenzae, group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The three most resistant pathogens in pediatric otitis and rhinosinusitis are Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
More in Inflammations
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced