Adenoiditis and Allergies
Research has found that in 30% cases, there is a link between adenoiditis and allergies! Read about the triggers and what you can do to reduce your symptoms…
What are adenoids?
Adenoids are lymph nodes that are located in the back of the throat, behind the nose. Along with tonsils, adenoids form part of our lymphatic system and help fight infections by producing antibodies and trapping germs that come through the nose and mouth.
Adenoids shrink during childhood. In fact, by the time a child hits adolescence, they are almost entirely gone because the body has developed other mechanisms to fight off infection.
What is adenoiditis?
Adenoiditis is the swelling/inflammation of the adenoids that may be caused by bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus), viruses (e.g. Epstein-Barr rhinovirus and adenovirus), toxins or allergies.
Since adenoids are the first line of defence against germs, infection is quite common – mostly affecting males (70%) and people between the ages of 16-25 (60%).
Look out for the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Mouth breathing due to a sore throat
- Snoring
- A runny nose
- A sore throat
- Sinus congestion
- Sinus infection
- Swollen lymph glands
- Sleep apnoea
- Otis media (a.k.a. glue ear)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal speech (i.e. talking through the nose)
Allergies and Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis and allergies often occur concurrently, with allergic reactions to food or airborne substance triggers around 30% of adenoiditis cases:
Airborne
- Dust/dust mites
- Mould
- Pollen
- Plant Phenolics
- Trees
- Grasses
- Weeds
- Mould
- Cat/dog
- Chemicals
Food
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Egg
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Salicylates
- Amines
- Lectins
- Glutamates
- Artificial food additives
What are the treatments for infected adenoids?
The treatment for adenoiditis really depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. For adenoiditis that is not caused by allergy, common treatments include:
To treat the symptoms
If adenoiditis is due to viral infection, antibiotics will not help. However, there are some treatments such as decongestants, steroid nasal sprays and anti-inflammatory medications that may reduce swelling and other symptoms.
Remember, many medications can come with side-effects. So, speak to your healthcare professional about the best course of treatment for you.
Antibiotics
If a bacteria is the culprit, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Adenoidectomy for adenoiditis
An adenoidectomy is the most common treatment for chronic (persistent) adenoiditis. It involves the complete removal of the adenoids and is often done at the same time as grommet insertion, tonsil removal or sinus surgery.
Though some experts suggest that adenoids are unimportant and adenoid removal harmless, they often grow back after removal. This is thought to be because they play a crucial role in the development of our ‘immunological memory’, especially during early childhood. (1)
What about allergies?
Unfortunately for those whose adenoiditis and allergies are linked, an adenoidectomy only partially resolves symptoms. Underlying sensitivities usually still trigger allergic conditions such as chronic sinusitis, glue ear and hay fever.
Here are a few approaches for managing adenoiditis and allergies:
Avoid
Reducing your exposure to, or consumption of, substances known to trigger your symptoms, may reduce your chances of flare-ups.
Diet and supplements
Various nutrients found in colourful fruits and vegetables may help protect the immune system against adenoiditis. Supplements may help those with fussy taste buds. Speak to your healthcare professional about ways to get your immunity back on track.
Natural allergy treatment
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the substances triggering your allergy symptoms. Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
