Adenoids are glands located high in the throat behind the nose.
They aren't visible without special instruments. Along with the
tonsils, their job is to intercept germs in very young children,
which allows the body to create antibodies to resist similar
infections throughout the rest of childhood and throughout life.
They normally begin to shrink at puberty and are completely gone
by adulthood. Occasional swelling should not be a problem unless
it becomes chronic or interferes with normal breathing. Chronic
adenoids often make it appear that the child has a constant
cold. It may also cause the child to develop the bad habit of
mouth breathing. Adenoids may need to be removed if they become
overly enlarged or infected and threaten to spread the infection
to the ear. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist should be
consulted if you suspect adenoid problems. If adenoids don't
respond to antibiotics and surgery is necessary, it can be
performed safely and easily.