Enlarged adenoids usually happen in children, but they can also affect adults. They can cause various health problems such as difficulty breathing, sleep issues, and long-lasting infections. Many seek natural remedies and changes in their lifestyle to help with symptoms and healing.
We, at IAFA Ayurveda, endorse holistic approaches towards healing of enlarged adenoids. In this blog, we shall look at how to treat enlarged adenoids in adults using natural and Ayurvedic remedies. We shall also go through causes, symptoms, and ways to diagnose this issue to understand it better and the Treatment of enlarged adenoids in adults.
How do We Check for Enlarged Adenoids in Adults?
Before discussing the treatment options, one must learn how to check for enlarged adenoids in adults.
1. Check Up by a Doctor: A healthcare worker will first look at your nose and throat to see if there are any signs of swelling. This may involve using a mirror to see the back of your throat.
2. Nasal Endoscopy: An enlarged adenoid may warrant a nasal endoscopy. The doctor will insert a small, flexible tube with a camera on one end through the nose and into the nasal cavity to view the adenoids and determine whether they are swollen.
3. Imaging Tests: Imaging tests can make tests like clear pictures of the adenoids and the surrounding areas, done by x-rays, CT scans, or MRI before starting the enlarged adenoids Treatment.
4. Sleep Study (Polysomnography): If large adenoids are causing suspected sleep apnea or other sleep problems, a sleep study may be recommended. The test looks at breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other important signs that can happen during bed rest to help see if adenoids are adding to the issue.
Causes of Enlarged Adenoids in Adults
In children, enlarged adenoids happen more often, but there are many reasons it can occur in adults too. Knowing the causes can help prevent and manage the condition.
1. Food Allergies: Food Allergies can also be the reason for the hypersensitivity of the immune system causing heavy inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to swelling of the adenoids.
2. Nasal Allergies: Infections, like sinusitis, tonsillitis, and many episodic colds, are the usual precursors and can make adenoids to become swollen and red.
3. Environmental Factors: Being around pollutants, smoke, and anything else present in the environment can irritate the breathing system, and may lead to long-term swelling of the adenoids. Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, pet furs, and other allergens make the adenoids swell because of the effort of fighting off these threats. Adults who smoke or are often exposed to passive smoking are at a greater risk.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a common condition where stomach acid often flows back into the tube that connects the throat and stomach, irritating its lining can be a risk factor for enlarged adenoids in adults.
5. Immune-Related Disorders: Conditions like HIV/AIDS and autoimmune disorders can lead to unhealthy enlargement of the adenoids due to repeated infections.
6. Genetic Predisposition: Some people may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more likely to develop enlarged adenoids in adults.
Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids in Adults
You ought to look out for the symptoms of enlarged adenoids in adults to diagnose the disease early. Symptoms may be different from person to person, but here are some of the common usual signs:
1. Nasal Congestion and Blockage: Enlarged adenoids often result in persistent nasal congestion or cessation, which may cause difficulty with nasal breathing. Adults may be bothered by the need to breathe through their mouths or constant nasal stuffiness.
2. Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Furthermore, big adenoids can obstruct the airway, resulting in snoring or, in the worst cases, obstructive sleep apnea. In this case, it means that the air stops going to the lungs for times during sleep, which can cause restful sleep and tiredness during the day.
3. Sore Throat and Trouble Swallowing: The long-term swelling of the adenoids can cause a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. This happens because larger adenoids push around the throat and make it uncomfortable. Home remedies for enlarged adenoids can help them to get relief.
4. Ear Issues: Large adenoids may effectively shut eustachian tubes, possibly allowing secretions to collect in the middle ear. This in turn may result in such symptoms as ear pain, ear pressure, and repeated ear infections.
5. Voice changes: Adults with larger adenoids might sense that their voice sounds different, often described as “nasal” or “muffled.” This occurs because the larger adenoids block airflow and alter the resonance of the voice.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Enlarged Adenoids in Adult
Natural and Ayurvedic treatment options can be used to reduce symptoms and manage enlarged adenoids in adults. If you’re looking for enlarged adenoids treatment without surgery, consider these natural remedies:
1. Nasal Irrigation Using Saline Solution
Nasal irrigation flushes out the nasal passages. Some may have reduced congestion and swelling with the help of saline washes coming out of the large adenoids. This simple procedure can be easily performed at home using a saline spray or a neti pot.
How to Use?
Dissolve a teaspoon of salt that isn’t iodized in a cup of warm distilled water. Use a neti pot or nasal spray bottle to gently wash the saltwater that passes through one nostril and out of the other nostril. Do this once or twice a day to help clear your nose and reduce swelling.
2. Inhaling Steam with Essential Oils
Inhaling steam with essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree, may relieve nasal congestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritated tissues thereby helping enlarged adenoids Treatment.
How to Do?
Boil a little water and put it into a bowl with a few drops of essential oil. Bend forward over the bowl and cover your head with a towel; breathe in steam for 5-10 minutes. Do this two times a day for the best results.
3. Herbal Medicines for Enlarged Adenoids Treatment
Herbal products, such as turmeric, licorice root, and ginger, are effective anti-inflammatories and help reduce the size of the adenoids and soothe the throat.
How To Use?
- Kachnar Herb: Kachnar swaras or chaal helps in reducing swelling of enlarged adenoids and aids in decreasing inflammation in the body.
- Turmeric: You can consume turmeric in the form of curcumin capsules to boost immunity. Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it in one glass of warm milk. Drink that mix before going to bed. Turmeric contains properties that reduce swelling and pain.
- Licorice Root: Licorice is available in the form of capsules or powder, you can consume it daily to get relief from adenoids. Else, boil a teaspoon of dried licorice root in water for 10 minutes. Intake should be twice a day; it calms the throat and reduces swelling.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. Boil fresh slices of ginger in water for 10 minutes. Now, add honey and a little lemon to taste, and drink this to reduce the swelling and fight the infection.
4. Rinsing with Salt Water as Home Remedies for Enlarged Adenoids
Gargling with warm, salty water will reduce the inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and soothe a sore throat due to swollen adenoids.
How to Do?
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water. Gargle with this solution for 30 seconds and rinse it out. Do this several times a day, especially after eating and before sleep.
5. Dietary Adjustments for Enlarged Aadenoids Treatment
Consuming anti-inflammatory foods will reduce swelling and ensure better healing. Omega-3 fatty acid-containing food materials, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, will show anti-inflammatory effects.
What to follow?
This should involve including such fruits as different kinds of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits. Avoid dairy products, processed foods, and sugary snacks that can increase the mucus condition and swelling in general.
6. Practise Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
Practice yogic breathing exercises such as pranayama to improve respiratory function and thus reduce respiratory distress often seen in enlarged adenoids. Perform Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhramari (bee breath) to clear nasal passages and attain mind relaxation.
Pranayama Technique for Enlarged Adenoids Treatment
- Nadi Shodhana: Sit in a comfortable position, and close the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale deeply from the left nostril, and close the left nostril with the right ring finger. Exhale from the right nostril after releasing the thumb. Repeat 5 to 10 more times.
- Bhramari: Close your eyes and inhale. Exhale while humming, as if you are an imaginary bee. You can continue the entire process for 5 to 10 minutes, it helps to release any stuffiness and will relax your mind.
7. Hydration
Staying well-hydrated is essential for thinning mucus and keeping the throat and nose moist. Drink a lot of water throughout the day and consider using a moistener in your bedroom to keep the air wet.
Wrapping up!
Although large adenoids may harbour different problems in an adult’s life, you are still capable of handling and soothing such issues with the proper natural remedies. You can use Home remedies for enlarged adenoids and Ayurvedic treatments to reduce inflammation and assist in the healing process. Use these natural methods to manage enlarged adenoids properly and have a healthier, more comfortable life.
If any of you or your family members are suffering from enlarged adenoids, book your online consultation now with our Ayurveda expert Dr Sahil Gupta to get natural treatment and get rid of it completely.