Adenoids are small lumps of lymphatic tissue nestled above the tonsils that help protect against upper respiratory tract infections. Adenoid disorders—also known as adenoidism or adenoiditis—occur when the adenoids become swollen, making it hard to breathe or swallow.

What causes adenoid disorders?

Experts do not know why adenoidism is so common in toddlers and young children, although they suspect it may be due to frequent colds or allergies.

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