Adenoids are small lumps of tissue that are located at the back of the throat, above the tonsils. They are part of the body's immune system, which helps fight infection and protects the body from bacteria and viruses.
Adenoids are only present in children. The adenoids start to grow from birth, and reach their maximum size when your child is approximately 3-5 years old. By the time your child is seven years old, the adenoids start to shrink away, and by the late teens they are barely visible. Once in adulthood, the adenoids will have disappeared completely.
The adenoids shrink and eventually disappear because they are not an essential part of the body's immune system. Although they may be helpful in young children, the body has much more effective ways of coping with infections and viruses.
You will not be able to see your child's adenoids by looking in their mouth. If your GP needs to see them, they can examine the adenoids using a light and a small mirror.
What is an adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is a short operation to remove the adenoids. Removing the adenoids will not put your child at a greater risk of developing infection. The body's immune system is more than able to cope with bacteria and viruses without the adenoids.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
