28/08/2025
š Adenoiditis ā Overview
Definition:
Adenoiditis is the inflammation of the adenoids (lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx, behind the nose and above the throat). It commonly affects children, as adenoids are largest in early childhood and regress after adolescence.
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š¹ Etiology / Causes
Viral infections (adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, RSV)
Bacterial infections (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, H. influenzae)
Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections
Allergy or chronic sinusitis predisposing
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š¹ Signs & Symptoms
Nasal obstruction ā mouth breathing, nasal voice
Snoring / sleep apnea (due to airway obstruction)
Recurrent ear infections (otitis media due to Eustachian tube blockage)
Chronic runny nose (nasal discharge, postnasal drip)
Difficulty swallowing / sore throat
Enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Daytime fatigue, irritability (from poor sleep)
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š¹ Pathophysiology
1. Infection / allergen exposure ā activates adenoid lymphoid tissue.
2. Hyperplasia + inflammation ā swelling in nasopharynx.
3. Airway obstruction ā mouth breathing, snoring, OSA.
4. Eustachian tube obstruction ā middle ear effusion, recurrent otitis media.
5. Chronic inflammation ā adenoidal hypertrophy ā persistent obstruction.
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š¹ Investigations
Clinical diagnosis (history & physical exam)
Nasal endoscopy ā direct visualization of enlarged adenoids
X-ray nasopharynx (lateral view) ā soft tissue shadow of adenoids
Audiometry / Tympanometry ā if associated with ear issues
CBC ā may show leukocytosis in bacterial infection
Culture ā if recurrent/purulent discharge
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š¹ Treatment Approaches
1. Allopathic Perspective
Medical:
Analgesics & antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Nasal saline irrigation
Decongestants (short-term)
Antibiotics (if bacterial suspected)
Intranasal corticosteroids (for allergic component)
Surgical:
Adenoidectomy ā indicated in chronic / recurrent adenoiditis, OSA, or recurrent otitis media not responding to medical therapy.
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2. Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, adenoiditis can be correlated with āNÄsÄgranthi Åotha / Tundikeriā ā a disease of ÅŖrdhvajatrugata rogas (diseases above clavicle), caused mainly by Kapha + VÄta dosha aggravation.
NidÄna (Causes)
Guru (heavy), Abhishyandi (blocking) food
Excess cold food/drinks, curd, ice cream
Repeated respiratory infections
Poor digestion (Agnimandya ā Äma formation)
Lakį¹£aį¹a (Symptoms)
Nasal obstruction, mouth breathing
Snoring, disturbed sleep
Thick nasal discharge
Difficulty in speech/swallowing
Karna vedanÄ (ear pain) due to blockage
SamprÄpti (Pathogenesis)
Kapha + VÄta vitiation ā Åotha (inflammation) & granthi (enlargement) in nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue.
Leads to obstruction of prÄį¹a vÄha srotas and Åravaį¹a srotas (respiration & hearing channels).
ChikitsÄ (Management)
Åodhana (purification):
Nasya Karma (nasal drops with Anu Taila, Shadbindu Taila)
DhoomapÄna (medicated smoke inhalation)
Gandusha/Kavala (oil pulling with medicated oils)
Åamana (palliative):
Herbs: Haridra (Turmeric), Tulasi, Yashtimadhu, Pippali, Kantakari
Formulations: Sitopaladi Churna, TalÄ«sÄdi Churna, Vyoshadi Vati, Chyawanprash
Kashayas: Dashamoola Kwatha, Kantakari Avaleha
Lifestyle/Diet: Avoid cold/ice foods, curd at night, promote warm soups, light digestible food, pranayama for lung function.
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š Summary Table
Aspect Allopathy Ayurveda
Definition Inflammation of adenoids ÅŖrdhvajatrugata kapha-vÄta Åotha (NÄsa granthi)
Symptoms Nasal obstruction, snoring, otitis media NasÄvarodha, ÅvÄsa kaį¹£į¹a, nidrÄ bÄdha
Investigations Endoscopy, X-ray, audiometry NÄsÄparÄ«kį¹£Ä, Doį¹£a-nidÄna
Treatment Antibiotics, decongestants, adenoidectomy Nasya, DhoomapÄna, herbal formulations, Kapha-pacifying regimen
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ā
So, Adenoiditis is an inflammatory condition with both medical and surgical solutions in allopathy, while Ayurveda focuses on KaphaāVÄta pacification, detoxification (Nasya, DhoomapÄna), and long-term immunity-building.
