Components of the Immune System: Adenoids

A previous article entitled, “Components of the Immune System“, listed all the body parts involved in immune system functions. This article will take a closer look at how one component, the adenoids, play a role in protecting the body against harmful bacteria and viruses.

The immune system protects the body from pathogens and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris. It consists of a number of lymphatic organs which help create lymphocytes (infection-fighting white blood cell). The adenoids are one of the components of the immune system.

What Are Adenoids?

The adenoids are two masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nose in the upper part of the throat. Their main purpose is to trap irritants/allergens that waft through the air and enter your mouth/nose. They are also made up of cells that make antibodies to help the body fight infections.

How Adenoids Are Most Helpful

When children are very young, their immune systems are not fully developed yet. Adenoids can play a large roll in protecting them from illness at this young age. Adenoids are proportionately larger when we are younger. In fact, as we grow, they shrink and dramatically disappear by the time we reach our teenage years. As they disappear, the body develops other aspects of the immune system to make up for the lack of that front end protection.

How Adenoids Can Be Harmful

Since adenoids are so large in young children, they can obstruct normal breathing and make speech difficult when swollen. This is especially a problem in children that snore and/or sleep with their mouths open. As the adenoids try to fight off infection, they can become swollen because they are so soft and immature. Another problem that can occur if the adenoids are extra large is a constant runny nose. There isn’t enough room in your nasal passages for the nasal fluids to drain properly so they have to come out the front end of your nose.

Fixing Adenoid Problems

Most doctors will try to fix an adenoid problem by prescribing antibiotics to get rid of the infection that is causing swelling. If the swelling doesn’t go down, or the adenoids are just naturally too large for a child’s body, then an adenoidectomy may be required (removal of the adenoids). Many parents do not want their children to undergo surgery on a body part that will just shrink away over time. It is important for people to weigh out the risks and benefits before making a major decision of this nature.