Almost 50,000 Adenoidetomies on kids are performed each year here in Australia, mostly because parents are given no other alternative pathways to heal their child’s Adenoid Hypertrophy Holistically.

ENT’s are surgeons, they simply are not going to offer you advice outside the realm from which they are trained. Self advocating for a root cause treatment plan to save your child’s valuable lymphatic tissue is well worth the work.

There is a massive breakdown I see between Myofunctional Clinics and ENT’s – Myo Clinics refer straight to ENT’s where obstruction is present because they work purely on correcting craniofacial structure/function. ENT’s refer straight to surgery. Where is the in-between support to correct the underlying biochemical discord creating inflammation? Myo Clinics should be working in conjunction with Naturopaths, Homeopaths and Breathing Normalisation Practitioners.

Adenoids aren’t useless. The ‘she’ll be right without them’ attitude as they are tossed into medical waste has drastic implications on a child’s well-being.

The adenoids and tonsils form what is referred to as Waldeyer’s Rachenring (=Waldeyer’s ring of the throat, W-Ring). Alongside the adenoids, the tubal tonsils, palatine tonsils, and lingual tonsils form a lymphoid system functional unit. There is no food or breath, that does not pass by the W-Ring. All the lymphatics that drain the brain, the sinuses, teeth, eyes, ears, scalp, skull bones and all other tissues above the neck pass through this ring.

The W-Ring tissues play a crucial role in the immune system by helping to trap and respond to pathogens entering through the mouth and nose. The primary function of the lymphoid tissue in Waldeyer’s ring is antibody production. The adenoid generates B-cells, which differentiate into IgG and IgA plasma cells. Early exposure to antigens through the mouth and nose is crucial for the development of naturally acquired immunity in young children. The adenoid plays a significant role in the development of immunological memory during early childhood. Consequently, the removal of the adenoid at a young age is immunologically undesirable.

In one study of almost 1.2 million children, of whom 17,460 had an Adenoidectomy, 11,830 Tonsillectomy, and 31,377 Adenotonsillectomy, surgeries were associated with increased long-term risks of respiratory, infectious, and allergic diseases.

To add another dimension to these tisses – energetically the tonsils are connected with the liver meridian and its related structures whilst the adenoids main point of connection is with the kidney meridian. Weakness in these organs can transpire in adulthood as a result of removal. 

50% of adenoids regrow and this jumps to 75% if removal is done before age 3 (our body knows we need them, so it regenerates them). Regrowth of adenoids is linked to the unresolved continued presence of allergens/toxins/inflammation that were the cause of the issue in the first place AND the inability to revert back to natural nasal breathing. Solve the cause and there is no need to remove the adenoids.

“Removal of the tonsils and adenoids may result in a temporary cure of snoring in children, but the symptoms associated with sleep disorders may relapse in a relatively short term period….due to the continuation of mouth breathing.” – Ramirez-Yanez German O, European Society of Medicine 2022.

It does take a multi pronged approach to figure out the core driver of adenoid inflammation and an excellent support team. Let’s not beat around the bush, this is going to take more effort than surgery but it is SO possible – my Nephew and many others are testament to this 👌🏻

Partner with a Naturopath who has experience or special interest in Airway Health to assist you in ordering the relevant testing needed to get to the root of the problem. Natural Super Kids and KAN Clinic are two such Aussie recommendations.

1. Viral or Bacterial Respiratory/ Sinus Infections often resolve on their own but when they don’t or reoccur frequently investigation is warranted. Consider a Nasal Swab for fungal or bacterial colonization of the sinus cavities. Sinus rinsing with a Neti Pot or Nasal Sprays utilising saline (Fess), xylitol (XClear), propolis (BeeKeepers), silver or grapefruit seed extract (NutriBiotic) are great options to aid in the control of bacteria/fungus that may be responsible.

2. Environmental Toxin Exposure could include air pollution from inner city/suburban traffic, fragrance used in scented candles, personal care products, washing powder, air fresheners. These should all be eradicated from the home for multiple health impacting reasons.

3. Environmental Allergens/ Food Sensitivities/ Nutrient Depletion  Mold exposure is a common trigger that can wreck havoc on the respiratory system resulting in frequent sinus infection and congestion. Woolen bedding, pet dander, dust mites, carpet, pollen, grass should all be explored as possible contributors to chronic nasal congestion. Food sensitives are very common contributors. A study done in Poland in 2004 showed that 28.6% of the children who had swollen tonsils or adenoids, in fact had a major food sensitivity.  The tonsils and adenoids where full of the food protein/allergen that the body was attempting to trap and thus were completely aggravated and swollen. Dairy, gluten, imbalance of omega 3:6 fatty acids and general gut imbalance can lead to a dysregulated immune reaction. Early identification and treatment of allergic diseases may help reduce the occurrence of Adenoid Hypertrophy. The deficiency of vitamins and minerals is a common cause of adenoid hypertrophy. Identifying micro-nutrient depletion and restoring can significantly reduce the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy.” – Christina Rahm. “Adenoid Hypertrophy”. PriMera Scientific Surgical Research and Practice 4.1 (2024). Silica, Vitamin C, and Trace Minerals show promise as a proprietary blend for the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy. This study shows that Se, Zn, and Cu levels are decreased in children with adenoid hypertrophy. Adenoid size was significantly correlated with the plasma concentration of Se, Zn, and Cu.

4. Recessed Lower Jaw/ Oral Ties/ Orofacial Tension explores the functional reasons that a child may not be able to properly close their mouth. A lack of muscle tone in the Orofacial network or fascia tightness can absolutely restrict proper tongue posture and mouth position. Working with an Orofacial Myologist or Cranial Sacral Practitioner to release tension, unwind birth trauma, assess oral tether restrictions etc is well worth it.

5. Deviated Septum is most definitely a frustrating structure function issue that is difficult to resolve without surgery. However, employing the use of GOAT Nasal Strips can make a huge difference to the nasal passage.

Whilst the above areas of possibilities are being explored and worked on, grab a copy of Sasha Yakovleva’s book Adenoids Without Surgery or consider investing in 1:1 consults with a Breathing Normalisation Buteyko Practitioner. Even when nasal airway obstruction is present the practice of breathing normalisation can be implemented straight away to ease swelling of the nasal mucus membranes, eliminate hyperventilation and halt further adenoid growth.

BUTEYKO is a specific method that treats breathing problems and other health challenges by modifying breathing patterns and altering lifestyle. This method is safe, medication-free, and has no side effects. The Buteyko Breathing Method is very powerful: when applied correctly and consistently, it produces strong positive results and improves overall health quickly. The exercises within Sasha’s book are designed to engage children through movement and fun but they do need to be performed correctly and consistently each day. Engaging a practitioner to teach proper form initially before continuing on ones own is wise and worth the investment.

Over the course of a year my 9 year old nephew was able to take his adenoids from a Class 3 Severe Airway Obstruction to Class 1 No Obstruction with complete adenoid hypertrophy reversal.

We engaged him with a fantastic Naturopath who identified significant nutrient/mineral deficiencies and conducted a nasal swab test which showed resistant bacterial colonization. He was placed on inflammation reducing supplements whilst concurrently restoring nutrient depletion. Nasal sprays were employed to tackle the nasal colonisation and a Homeopathy consultation was arranged for a case taking. Homeopathy has plenty of evidence supporting its use for successful resolution of adenoid hypertrophy. A series of 1:1 sessions with Sasha from the Breathing Center were considered absolute game changers and the cherry on top to ensure lifelong happy healthy airways. He still does his Buteyko breathing exercises today.

It was a journey for my Sister to ensure the above was actioned consistently but she was adamant that there had to be a holistic path to save my nephews adenoids and restore his breathing. Together they did just that and I am certain you can too.