What are adenoids?

Adenoids are only present in children. They are small lumps of tissue at the back of the throat, just above the tonsils, and are part of the immune system, helping to fight against infection. They can become inflamed and swollen, often at the same time that a child is suffering from a sore throat, throat pain, or tonsillitis, although one condition may precede the other, or one may happen without the other. Sometimes the adenoids are surgically removed, although the more recent approach is to treat with antibiotics, or just to let the condition resolve itself.

Ayurveda explains that inflamed tonsils and adenoids are an indication of excess Kapha. When children are growing they have a need for more mucus in their bodies, but when this accumulates excessively this is a warning that the immune system is likely to be compromised and immediate steps should be taken to restore balance. This involves Kapha reducing treatment which is prescribed according to the Vata – Pitta – Kapha constitution of the individual, and according to the intensity of the condition. It is very important to avoid all foods that increase Kapha – sugar, bananas, and yogurt are particularly likely to exacerbate the problem.

As with tonsillitis, inflamed adenoids are like a red warning light on the dashboard of a car. To take out the light bulb or just to ignore it will do nothing to avoid the upcoming problems.

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