BREATHE easy

Adenoids, also known as nasopharyngeal tonsils, are a mass of lymphatic tissue situated posterior to the nasal cavity, in the roof of the nasopharynx, where the nose blends into the throat. In children, it is seen as a soft mound in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx, just above and behind the uvula. Like lymph nodes, adenoids are part of the immune system and are made of the same type of lymphoid tissue, which reacts to foreign invaders in the body. 

We all have adenoids at birth and during childhood, but in a tolerable size; as we head into adolescence they start to shrink. By adulthood, adenoids mostly disappear. However, increase in their size can cause lots of medical anomalies. 

Adenoids conditions

• Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the adenoids, often from infection due to bacteria or viruses. 
• Enlarged adenoids: In children, the adenoids can get larger because of infection or due to hereditary and miasmatic factors. Very large adenoids can interfere with breathing or with the flow of mucus. 
• Obstructive sleep apnea: While sleeping, enlarged adenoids may intermittently block the flow of air through the throat. This can cause a person to stop breathing for a few seconds (known as apnea) and can occur several times each night. 
• Ear infections (Otitis media): In children, enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian tubes, which drain fluid from the ears into the throat. If these tubes are unable to drain, it can lead to repeated ear infections.

Homeopathy heals

Homoeopathy has medicines based on symptomatology and modalities of a disease. Depending on the stage of the infection, relevant medicines are prescribed. Homoeopathy medicines are not only capable of containing the infection, but also absorbing the tissue that has grown out of proportion and causing obstruction of the naso-pharynx. Hereditary aspects and mental symptoms of the patient help in permanent removal of adenoids without the need for surgery. Homoeopathy is very effective in destroying any bacterial infection, thus limiting the growth of the tissue. Anti-miasmatic medicines are efficient in removing unwanted growth in a painless manner and also permanently. One should surely approach a homoeopath before opting for any painful intervention in case of adenoid problems.

(Dr Kant is a Chandigarh-based homeopath)