Adenoids are glands located above the roof of the mouth, behind the nose. They look like small lumps of tissue and serve an important purpose in young children.
Adenoids are part of the immune system and help protect the body from viruses and bacteria.
While adenoids help protect the body from viruses and bacteria, they sometimes become swollen and enlarged or chronically infected.
This can be due to infections, allergies, or other reasons. Some children may also be born with abnormally large adenoids.
When a child’s adenoids become enlarged, they can cause problems by partially blocking his or her airway.
When this happens, children can have breathing problems, ear infections, or other complications, which can lead to snoring or more serious conditions such as sleep apnea (stopping breathing) at night.
Chronic (long-term) nasal drainage, congestion and sinus infections can also be seen.
Enlarged adenoids can also affect the recurrence (return) of ear infections and chronic fluid in the ear, which can result in temporary hearing loss.
Edday Nderitu marks a year since leaving Kenya