Yes, Fall allergies can cause enlarged adenoids.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoid hypertrophy (AH) are common in children and are often associated with each other. Research has found that 22% of those with allergies develop adenoiditis. Adenoid infection or enlargement is often treated with surgery. Enlarged adenoids can block airflow through your nose, which can lead to mouth breathing, snoring and a dry and sore throat. Read on to learn more about allergies and adenoiditis.

Fall allergies can trigger the enlargement of the adenoids.

Fall allergies can trigger the enlargement of the adenoids. Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoid hypertrophy (AH) are common in children and are often associated with each other. When adenoids become enlarged, it can cause difficulty breathing through the nose and snoring. Fall allergies are caused by pollen from weeds, with ragweed being the biggest culprit. Ragweed pollen is released into the air with cool nights and warm days in August, and can cause many regions to experience cold fronts, thunderstorms, and more wind. Mold spores are a top cause of allergic rhinitis, and mold can grow just about anywhere. In the fall, damp areas like wet piles of fallen leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold spores.

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Having both enlarged tonsils and adenoids can lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including being overweight, smoking, or having large tonsils. When the airway becomes blocked, it causes difficulty breathing and can lead to snoring and pauses in breathing.

Enlarged adenoids can also lead to recurrent ear infections.

Enlarged adenoids can also lead to recurrent ear infections. This is because the adenoids are located at the opening of the Eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose to the inside of the ears. When the adenoids are inflamed, they can block the flow of air to and from the middle ear, which increases the chances of a middle ear infection developing.

Treatment for enlarged adenoids usually involves a surgery called adenoidectomy.

Treatment for symptomatic enlarged adenoids usually involves adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids). Systemic antibiotics have been used long-term in an effort to prevent recurrent infections, but there is no good evidence that this is effective. Early and prompt treatment of adenoid hypertrophy with appropriate antibiotics may help to prevent recurrent sinus infections. Surgery to remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy) is often done in conjunction with removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy). This surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure may be done in a surgical outpatient setting.

Talk to an experienced otolaryngologist about how best to manage your allergies and follow their professional advice. ENT Care Centers (ENTCC) is committed to bringing you high-quality and compassionate ear, nose, and throat care in Louisville, Kentucky, and southern Indiana. Our professionals can help answer any questions you have about allergies. Book an appointment with us today! If you have other doubts or concerns, feel free to call us at (502) 894-8441.