Save your Kid from Adenoid Surgery – Homeopathic Medicines are the Best Bet

Enlarged adenoids refer to the enlargement of the lymphoid tissue, called adenoids, located at the junction of the back of the nose and throat. Like, tonsils, they are are a part of the body’s immune system and play a major role in fighting infections (like virus and bacteria entering the body via the nose) in children. Children mostly 3-10 years of age are affected by enlarged adenoids.

While conventional medicines suggest surgery, homeopathy can serve as a natural, non-invasive alternative to get rid of enlarged adenoids in children. Homeopathy treats adenoids in two parts.

First part: symptomatic relief – Initially  homeopathic medicines help to relieve symptoms like a blocked nose, snoring, etc. Also, they treat any ongoing infection when a person approaches for treatment.

Second part: Building the immunity – the homoeopathic medicines help in building up the immune system of the individual to prevent chronic upper respiratory tract infections. As a result, the size of the adenoids gets reduced gradually. The nasal allergies also get treated simultaneously if they are causing enlargement of adenoids.

In conventional medicine, surgery is generally advised to get rid of enlarged adenoids. Even if the adenoids are removed surgically, the regrowth of adenoids may occur. Here, homeopathy may be helpful in preventing surgery, where there is mild to moderate enlargement of adenoids. How much homeopathic medicines can help and for how long they need to be taken depends on the severity of the condition..

How Homoeopathy Works in cases of Enlarged Adenoids

1. Homeopathy strengthens immunity and prevents recurrent infections

The main cause behind enlargement of adenoids is recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. To treat enlarged adenoids, it is necessary that the root cause is treated first. This where homeopathy steps in where homeopathic medicines address the root cause first by focusing on strengthening the child’s immune system. Once the immunity is strong enough, the child does not catch cold frequently and becomes less susceptible to recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Once this underlying factor causing enlarged adenoids is treated, the adenoids get the time to shrink and go back to their normal size.

2. Safe medicines

Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted and cause no side effects which make them immensely safe for children. Prepared from natural substances like plants and minerals, they are free from any toxins and treat the condition of enlarged adenoids in a very gentle and natural way. The conventional treatment protocol for enlarged adenoids may include frequent use of antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, and antihistamines (especially in cases of nasal allergies). These medicines provide temporary relief and may also cause side effects. On the contrary, homeopathy medicines aim for a permanent cure. If taken consistently, for the recommended time on the advice of a homeopathic physician, homoeopathic medicines can help in reducing dependency on the use of antibiotics, antihistamines, and nasal sprays remarkably.

Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines To Treat Enlarged Adenoids

Homeopathic medicines that work wonders in treating enlarged adenoids include Agraphis Nutans, Baryta Carbonica, Calcarea Carbonica, Sambucus Nigra, Ammonium Carbonicum, Kali Sulphuricum, Tuberculinum, Silicea Terra, Psorinum and Hepar Sulphuricum.

1. Agraphis Nutans – Most Effective Medicine For Enlarged Adenoids

Agraphis Nutans is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating enlarged adenoids. Prepared from the plant Bluebell (wild hyacinth), this natural medicine is mainly prescribed based on two important symptoms. First is nasal blockage due to enlarged adenoids where it proves very effective. The other is complaints in the ear, mainly deafness, due to large sizs of the adenoids. Agraphis Nutans is also helpful when both adenoids and tonsils get enlarged simultaneously.

When to use Agraphis Nutans?

Agraphis Nutans is recommended to manage nasal blockage and ear complaints.

How to use Agraphis Nutans?

Agraphis Nutans can be given to the child 2-3 times a day as per the intensity of the complaint.

2. Baryta Carbonica – For Recurrent Cold And Sore Throat in children

Baryta Carb treats kids where adenoids are prominently enlarged.  A child has tendency to catch cold frequently along with recurrent throat infections. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils may be present together. In acute phase of URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), there is pain in the throat while swallowing, thick yellow nasal discharge and frequent sneezing. The mouth gives off an offensive odor. The child becomes physically inactive.

When to use Baryta Carb?

Baryta Carb is considered in cases marked by recurrent cold and sore throat. Also helpful in treating simultaneous enlargement of adenoids and tonsils.

How to use Baryta Carb?

It can be from low (like 30C) to high potencies (like 200C and 1M) but not in very frequent doses. To begin with, one may take Baryta Carb 30C twice a week only. To increase the dose or potency, consult a homeopathic doctor.

3. Calcarea Carbonica – To Manage Tendency To Catch Cold Easily

Calcarea Carbonica is the top medicine for kids who are highly susceptible to cold and fall sick every time there is change of weather. Clear watery nasal or yellow foul discharge is marked. Besides, nasal blockage is very prominent which worsens at night. The chronic tendency to catch infections results in enlarged adenoids or tonsils. There is excessive sweating, especially on the scalp.

When to use Calcarea Carbonica?

Calcarea Carb is useful when a child is susceptible to  recurrent colds and marked nasal blockage typically at night.

How to use Calcarea Carbonica?

Its use varies from low (30C) to high potencies (200C, 1M) varying from case to case and intensity of symptoms. Initially, Calcarea Carb 30C can be given twice a week or 200C can be given once a week. Change the dose under the guidance of a homeopath.

4. Sambucus Nigra – To Get Rid Of Nasal Blockage

Sourced from the plant Sambucus Nigra commonly called ‘elder’, it is a highly effective medicine to manage nasal blockage especially at night with thick and sticky mucus in the nostrils. It works wonders where a child sniffles (breathing sound from the nose) and wakes up at night suddenly, nearly suffocating, gasping for breath. Mouth breathing due to a blocked nose is also pronounced.

When to use Sambucus Nigra?

It is useful to relieve nasal blockage especially at night with thick and sticky mucus in nose. Sniffles of infants and mouth breathing are key indications to use this medicine.

How to use Sambucus Nigra?

Sambucus 30C can be used two or three times a day for good results. This medicine acts for a short period and gives good results on repetition.

5. Ammonium Carbonicum – For Intense Nasal Blockage And Sniffles In Kids

Ammonium Carbonicum is an excellent medicine to manage severe nasal blockage. The blockage is so intense that the child is forced to breathe through the mouth. The child may jerk several times during sleep due to obstructed breathing at night.  It is also indicated in long-continued coryza (inflammation of mucous membrane in the nose).

When to use Ammonium Carbonicum?

Ammonium Carb is rcommended when there is severe nasal blockage along with mouth breathing and sniffles.

How to use Ammonium Carbonicum?

Ammonium Carb 30C given three times a day brings relief in nasal blockage. Potency can be raised to 200C or 1M after consulting a homoeopath.

6. Kali Sulphuricum – If Symptoms Persist Post-Adenoid Surgery

Kali Sulphuricum is a specific medicine for managing symptoms that persist even after surgery of enlarged adenoids. The symptoms prominently include nasal blockage, mouth breathing, and snoring. Yellow nasal discharge may accompany these symptoms.

When to use Kali Sulphuricum?

This medicine is an ideal prescription if symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring and blocked nose in a child despite adenoid surgery.

How to use Kali Sulphuricum?

It is majorly used in biochemic form in 6X potency that comes in tablet form, 3-4 times in a day with a three-hour gap. The number of tablets to be given at a time varies from 2 to 4 as per the age of the child.

7. Tuberculinum – For Recurrent Infections Causing Enlarged Adenoids

Tuberculinum is a highly effective homeopathic medicine to build a child’s immunity to prevent repeated infections. The child is highly sensitive to weather changes suffering frequently from cold, sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections. This medicine is prescribed in chronic cases and when no active infection is present.

When to use Tuberculinum?

Tuberculinum is best for treating chronic cases to boost a child’s immunity.

How to use Tuberculinum?

It is mainly used in 200C or higher potencies. The dose varies from just one dose in 15 days or a month depending on the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. It is advised not to self-medicate as it is a strong remedy.

8. Silicea Terra – For Enlarged Glands With Tendency To Induration

Silicea Terra is a highly recommended medicine in cases of hypertrophy of adenoids and tonsils, especially when long-standing and recurrent marked by thickening of adenoid glands (induration). Children needing this medicine look unhealthy with weak body constitution. There is a tendency to suppurate (pus formation) and slow healing. Recurrent colds, otitis media (middle ear infection) and throat infections are common indications to use this medicine. Deafness due to Eustachian tube blockage can also be managed by this medicine.

When to use Silicea Terra?

It is recommended for children with enlarged adenoids glands with pus discharges along with pain in throat and ear.

How to use Silicea Terra?

It is advised to use in potencies 6x to 30 CH on the basis of severity of symptoms. It can be used in 6x potency twice or thrice a day for good results.

9. Psorinum – For Enlarged Adenoids With Fetid Nasal Discharge

Psorinum is one of the best medicines for enlarged adenoids associated with chronic nasal catarrh (thick liquid). The nasal discharge is profuse and fetid, may be thick and purulent. It works best on frequent colds that do not clear completely and may cause deafness. Symptoms get worse in cold weather

When to use Psorinum?

Psorinum works best in chronic cases of enlargement of adenoids where symptoms gets worse from cold weather.

How to use Psorinum?

It can be used in 30C potency. It can be taken twice or thrice a day for  good results. Higher potencies like 200C and 1M can be used after consulting a homoeopathic physician.

10. Hepar Sulphuricum – For Enlarged Adenoids With Tendency To Suppurate

Hepar sulphuricum is a well-indicated medicine in cases of enlarged adenoids and tonsils with acute or sub-acute inflammation. There is marked tendency of pus formation. Recurrent tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and adenoiditis are very well treated by use of this medicine. The nasal discharge is thick, yellow and offensive. Ear complications may occur due to inflammation. Extreme sensitiveness to cold is the key indicator for using this medicine.

When To Use Hepar Sulphuris?

It is useful in cases of inflamed adenoids where there is pus formation, along with pain in throat and ear. Throat is sensitive to touch and the individual is highly sensitive to cold.

How to use Hepar Sulphuris?

It can be used in potencies 30C, 200C and 1M according to the severity of the symptoms. It can be used in 30 C potency twice or thrice a day for good results.

Note These medicines are recommended only in mild to moderate cases. They can be used for about a month or two in the suggested potency and dose. For further continuation of these medicines or for increasing dose or potency, consult a homeopathic physician. In severe cases (causing sleep apnea, mouth breathing even during daytime, recurrent ear infections or retarded growth of child), take help from conventional mode of treatment as homeopathy has its limitations in treating severe cases of enlarged adenoids.

Causes Behind Adenoids Enlargement

Adenoids are present in every child and they act as the first line of defense in the body along with tonsils. They normally grow until the age of 5-7 years and thereafter, they start shrinking and finally disappear around teenage. Adenoids, which show a pattern of physiological growth and regression, are needed only until the child becomes a teenager. By that time, the other parts of the immune system get mature enough to fight infections and disease. The adenoids, which are no longer needed, shrivel and disappear. But in some children, adenoids tend to get enlarged. The main risk factors behind this are recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and nasal allergies. As soon as the germs enter through the nose, adenoids trap them and fight them. In this process, the adenoids get temporarily swollen. With time, this swelling reduces and they come back to their original size. However, if the infections occur repeatedly, the adenoids are unable to return to normal size due to constant swelling and get permanently enlarged, even if there is no acute URTI.

Signs And Symptoms Of Enlarged Adenoids

1. Nasal voice, enlarged glands in the neck, frequent colds, sore throat, and difficult swallowing.

2. Appetite may also be poor. A child having enlarged adenoids has a blocked nose and breathes through the mouth.

3. Disturbed, restless sleep; drowsiness and sleepiness during the day; difficulty in concentration.

4 Nasal blockage causing noisy nasal breathing, mouth breathing and snoring

5. Dry mouth, dry cracked lips, offensive breath due to mouth breathing. Chewing and breathing at the same time become difficult; so the child avoids eating at all.

6. Adenoid facies: The term facies refers to a set of specific facial features in an individual suffering from a particular disease. The typical set of facial features noted in children having enlarged adenoids is known as adenoid facies. The features of adenoid facies include a long face, open mouth, high arched palate, prominent incisors, short upper lip and a pinched nose.

Complications Of Enlarged Adenoids

1. Sleep apnea (momentary pauses in breathing arise during sleep) in severe cases. Sleep apnea leads to poor sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating on studies at school.

2. Ear-related complaints such as difficulty in hearing, deafness, and ear infections. The eustachian tube connects the throat to the middle ear.

3. When the adenoids get highly enlarged, they may block eustachian tubes, causing middle ear infection or deafness.

4. In fact, persistently enlarged adenoids retard the overall development of the child. The retarded growth in such cases is attributed to two main factors – poor appetite leading to nutritional deficiencies, and improper sleep. The growth hormone required in children is primarily secreted during sleep. A child who lacks sound sleep will have lower levels of this growth hormone and hence, suffer from stunted growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My child has a persistently blocked nose, are enlarged adenoids to blame?

A blocked nose is a key feature of enlarged adenoids and is accompanied with symptoms like mouth breathing and snoring. However, other medical conditions like nasal polyps, nasal allergies and turbinate hypertrophy, may also cause a blocked nose. Therefore, a diagnosis and X-ray of soft tissue of the neck is needed before enlarged adenoids can be established as the cause.

2. Can enlarged adenoids and enlarged tonsils appear at the same time?

Yes. Tonsils are located in the back of the throat, one on either side and are a part of the child’s defense mechanism along with adenoids. Both adenoids and tonsils are masses of lymphoid tissue. There are high chances for both adenoids and tonsils to get enlarged at the same time.

3. Can adenoids come back after treatment?

Yes, especially if immunity remains weak or infections recur. Constitutional homeopathic treatment helps reduce recurrence.

4. Can enlarged adenoids affect hearing?

Yes. Enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid in the middle ear, recurrent ear infections, and temporary hearing loss.

5. Can adenoids grow back after surgery?

Yes, there is a fair chance they will. This is because even though the adenoids have been incised, the root cause behind their enlargement remains.

6. How are enlarged adenoids diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include clinical examination, X-ray nasopharynx and soft tissue neck (lateral view), nasal endoscopy (if needed) and hearing tests in children with ear symptoms.

7. Do enlarged adenoids always need surgery?

No, many cases can be managed with medical treatment, including homeopathy, especially when addressed early. Surgery is considered only when symptoms are severe or persistent.

8. When should surgery be considered?

Surgery (adenoidectomy) may be advised if recurrent ear infections cause hearing loss, severe nasal obstruction persists, medical treatment fails and one suffers from sleep apnea.

9. Can adults have enlarged adenoids?

Rarely, but adults may have adenoid hypertrophy due to chronic allergy infection or other underlying conditions.

10. Can enlarged adenoids affect facial growth?

Yes, long-standing mouth breathing may lead to adenoid facies, including long face, narrow palate, and dental issues.

11. Can enlarged adenoids resolve on their own?

Yes, in some children adenoids shrink naturally with age, especially after puberty, but symptoms should be monitored and managed.

12. How long does homeopathic treatment take?

Improvement may be seen within weeks, but complete resolution often requires several months, depending on chronicity and immunity.