Overview
Adenoids are lymph glands that are located behind the nasal passage. They are made of lymphoid tissues and are a part of the body’s immune system.
The glands produce antibodies and help in fighting germs and infections in babies and children. They grow to their maximum size when the child reaches the age of 3 to 5. After the age of 7, the adenoids begin to shrink and by adulthood, they completely disappear.
Sometimes, while fighting infections, the adenoids can become enlarged and infected. Inflammation of adenoids is known as adenoiditis.
Inflamed or infected adenoids can cause recurring ear infections, nose bleeds, allergies, or respiratory problems.
Adenoids can be treated naturally at home. If the symptoms are persistent and the child is getting recurrent infections, an adenoid removal surgery or adenoidectomy is considered.
Can adenoids be cured without surgery?
At the initial stages, if the symptoms are less alarming, adenoids can be treated with antibiotics therapy and simple home remedies.
Your healthcare provider will suggest the following non-surgical treatments:
Antibiotics and other medications
An antibiotic regimen will be prescribed to fight the infection. Along with antibiotics, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the doctor will prescribe throat lozenges to ease the swelling and discomfort.
While your child is on an antibiotic course, you must increase the fluid and water intake and provide healthy meals to boost immunity.
Help your child to complete the antibiotic course for proper healing of the symptoms.
Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays contain corticosteroids that help in reducing inflammation and pain. The doctor may prescribe a nasal spray based on the child’s age.
Natural home treatments
Natural remedies like gargling with warm salt water, using honey, or drinking warm beverages can soothe sore throat, nasal congestion, or pain. Spices like turmeric, garlic, or fenugreek that are readily available at home have anti-inflammatory properties and act as mild sedatives. They can be used to provide comfort to ailing children.
How to treat adenoids naturally?
As a parent, if your child is suffering from infected and enlarged adenoids, you would probably think of an adenoidectomy or an adenoid surgery. Thankfully, numerous natural treatments can easily be done at home to provide relief to the symptoms and possibly help avoid surgery.
Warm water gargling
This is one of the easiest and fastest remedies to get instant relief from throat ailments. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Use a spoon to stir and dissolve the salt completely. Salt helps to release the discharges from the swollen tissues and reduces inflammation.
If your child is too small, help him/her manage the gargling without swallowing or vomiting the water. Saltwater gargling can be done thrice a day to help manage the pain and swelling.
Honey and lemon juice
Honey is an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces soreness and pain. In a teaspoon of honey, add two to three drops of lemon juice. Mix it well. The mixture should be consumed two to three times a day.
Garlic
Garlic has anti-bacterial properties. Peel one garlic clove and crush it. Add some honey and lemon juice to the crushed garlic. This mixture can be consumed twice or thrice a day. If your child finds the smell or the taste of the raw garlic unpalatable, you can lightly sauté the garlic in a small amount of clarified butter before consumption.
Turmeric
Turmeric has curcumin, an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-oxidant compound. Turmeric can be added to a cup of warm milk before going to sleep. This will reduce discomfort and allow the child to sleep well.
Basil leaves
Basil leaves are anti-bacterial and reduce inflammation. Take a cup of water and boil it in the water. Add 10 basil leaves and allow the water to boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain the water and add some honey and lemon juice. This is an effective solution for sore throat and pain. Your child can drink this mixture 2-3 times a day.
Warm liquids
Warm beverages like a cup of honey and lemon tea or turmeric milk can provide relief to the soreness and pain. Clear soup or vegetable broth can soothe the swollen lymphatic tissues.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
