10 Home Remedies for Swollen Adenoids Naturally

What are Adenoids?

Adenoids are glands that are located in the roof of the mouth. Similar to tonsils, adenoids also trap pathogens that enter through the nose or mouth. Under normal conditions, these tissues are invisible to the eye.

How to identify Swollen Adenoids?

It is very easy to identify swollen adenoids. Here are signs and symptoms that can help identify-

Breathing through the Mouth

As the adenoids swell, it can obstruct the nasal passages. This leads to breathing through the mouth, especially in children. Although it is harmless, it can lead to other symptoms such as- bad breath, dryness inside the mouth, chapped lips, nasal congestion, drippy nose.

Snoring

The swelling of the adenoids also leads to snoring and in some cases, sleep apnea.

Difficulty in Breathing

People with enlarged adenoids also have to face difficulty or shortness of breath.

Glue Ear

Commonly known as otitis media with effusion, swollen adenoids can also result in filling of the middle ear with fluid.

Why do Adenoids Swell?

However, due to various reasons such as trapping of food or infection, these tissues swell or enlarge. When someone is allergic to particular food items, the adenoids can swell. Moreover, children can also be born with swollen glands and continue to stay enlarged until late childhood.

Irrespective of causes that lead to enlarged adenoids, surgery is a treatment option but preparing for it is another nuisance. Moreover, if the condition has not reached the severe stage, some home remedies can work.

10 Remedies To Try At Home To Treat Swollen Adenoids

Gargle with Salt water or Babul Decoction For Swollen Adenoids

Gargling aids in getting relief from not only swollen adenoids but also other types of throat infections. Gargling with a cup of warm water with salt or babul concoction helps to flush out the germ build-up which leads to swollen adenoids. The salt in the water absorbs water from the inflamed and swollen tissues that can eventually reduce symptoms like snoring or dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing). You can also make it a habit that you gargle with warm water while brushing as this can clear any particles inside the mouth and prevent infections. ENT doctors prescribe gargling thrice a day when diagnosed with swollen adenoids.
Garlic cloves for Swollen Adenoids

Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it works like magic if the adenoids are swollen due to pathogens or disease-producing bacteria. Garlic contains an antimicrobial compound known as allicin that destroys the pathogenic and disease-causing bacteria. Moreover, it strengthens the immunity system by increasing the production of lymphocytes, and macrophages. Next time if you are diagnosed with swollen adenoids, crush a few garlic cloves and consume it. (Also read: How Garlic is used for Ear pain?)
Honey and Lemon Juices for Swollen Adenoids

Honey works marvelously for any infection in the throat. Loaded with antioxidants that help to fight free radicals, honey strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antifungal properties help ward off the bacteria causing infections. Bad breath is one of the symptoms associated with enlarged adenoids. Lemon can prevent bad odor in the mouth, as it helps stimulate saliva and prevent dry mouth.
Turmeric milk for Swollen Adenoids

Everyone is well aware that this kitchen spice possesses a lot of healing abilities. Turmeric contains an antioxidant compound- curcumin, that helps to fight off various pathogens. The production of histamine due to an allergen entering the body that leads to symptoms such as swollen adenoids can also be curbed. You can also add turmeric in your daily cup of tea or a warm glass of milk. A glass of turmeric milk or other dairy products has other benefits on health too. (Also Read: Benefits of Tumeric for Sore Throat)
Cod liver oil for Swollen Adenoids

Although not suitable for everyone, this is one of the most effective natural remedies for anyone suffering from adenoiditis. Cod liver oil reduces inflammation as well as the risk of any infection. Some studies show that cod liver oil enhances lymphatic drainage thereby reducing swelling. Children below 12 years should consume this oil in a liquid state while others should consume capsules to get the maximum benefits.
Chamomile Tea for Swollen Adenoids

As one of the major reasons for enlarged adenoids is fighting off infections, chamomile can also work. This is a herb that is rich in antibacterial and antihistamine abilities. The potency of these abilities depends on the variety of chamomile tea. For children suffering from swollen adenoids, it is recommended to drink only half a cup of chamomile tea. Besides, the medicinal effects of chamomile are due to the presence of chemicals known as flavonoids that boosts up the immunity.
Ginger for Swollen Adenoids

Just like any other remedy for swollen remedies, ginger has strong antiseptic properties that can fight off any infection. This spice can also cure nausea, boost up the digestion process or fight symptoms of common cold and cough. The main active compound of ginger is gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Use ginger as fresh, dried, powdered, oil or juice.
Thyme tea for Swollen Adenoids
Thyme is a kitchen spice that can help in dealing with swollen adenoids. This has a wide range of antibacterial effects. A hot cup of thyme tea can help with the symptom of the drippy nose due to swollen adenoids. According to a Polish study, thyme with lavender oil is very effective against strains of various bacteria.
Tomatoes for Swollen Adenoids

Tomatoes possess a chemical compound known as naringenin chalcone on its skin that can decrease nasal obstruction, sneezing, and runny nose. These also have an antihistamine effect which can cure adenoid symptoms if it has occured due to an allergy.
Apples

Apples also help in getting relief from enlarged adenoids just like tomatoes. According to a study, eating apple slices can reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Therefore, it means that for swollen adenoids due to an allergic reaction, apple might be an easy and effective remedy.

Disclaimer- The remedies mentioned in this blog are only for informative purposes. Use these products only after proper consultation with the doctor.

What is the best treatment for swollen adenoids?

Rather than looking for the ‘best’ treatment for swollen adenoids, the patient should look for a treatment option that offers the most-effective results.

If a bacteria infection in the tonsils has spread to the adenoids, the doctors recommend antibiotics. In addition to this, they also provide nasal sprays that helps to decrease the swelling of the adenoids.

However, in case the swelling has become severe such that it is causing any of the following conditions-

Recurrent episodes of infection that result in sinusitis and ear infections
Antibiotics do not cure infections
The problem is leading to breathing problems, especially when the person is asleep

In these cases, the doctor recommends the removal of adenoids surgically. This is known as an adenoidectomy. Also, sometimes the infection can spread to the tonsils or vice-versa. Hence, doctors can recommend taking out the tonsils too. In this case, when the tonsils are taken in addition to adenoids, it is referred to as adenotonsillectomy.

A lot of parents have a concern that taking out these will affect their children’s immunity. Rest assured, these surgeries don’t affect the body’s fighting capabilities in any way.

Before Goodbye

As mentioned earlier, these home remedies work only if the swelling of the adenoids is not very severe. There are several possible treatment options for adenoids. If the condition gets serious and home remedies don’t work, then ENT doctors suggest adenoidectomy. It is simply the removal of the adenoids. Didn’t find what you are looking for? Drop a query in the comment section.

Also Read: Know the long term effects of Adenoidectomy