Home Remedies to Cure Swollen Adenoids

Did you know that about 12% of children experience problems due to enlarged adenoids, often leading to breathing difficulties and chronic ear infections? While surgery is an option, many parents seek natural remedies before considering invasive treatments.

Adenoids are tiny glands at the back of the nasal passage that help fight infections by trapping germs. But when they swell, they can cause snoring, difficulty breathing, and recurring ear problems. Luckily, you don’t always need surgery to manage them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through home remedies like herbal teas, saltwater gargles, and essential oils to help reduce adenoid swelling naturally.

What Causes Swollen Adenoids?

Adenoids exist from birth. They grow until a child reaches the ages of 3 to 5. Usually, after the age of 7, they start to shrink. Adenoids shrink greatly throughout adulthood. They are situated in the passageway that joins the throat with the back of the nasal cavity. 

Adenoids create antibodies to aid your body in fighting diseases. Adenoids help protect newborns against disease in the early years by capturing germs and viruses that enter the body through the nose.

When adenoids get infected, they frequently grow but then shrink back to their original size. However, in some cases, the adenoids remain swollen long after the infection is resolved. Allergies can also result in enlarged adenoids. Whereas, some children are born with swollen adenoids.

How to Identify Swollen Adenoids?

The adenoids cannot be seen by looking into the mouth, thus it is impossible to determine whether they are swollen. A doctor can examine the adenoids with a special mirror or illuminated camera mounted on the end of a flexible tube. However, swollen adenoids can be easily identified by a variety of symptoms. The following symptoms and signs may help in identifying:

• Blocked, stuffy nose
• Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing while you sleep)
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Otitis media with effusion, also known as "glue ear," is a fluid accumulation in the middle ear that can impair hearing.
• Dry mouth and cracked lips (from respiratory issues)

Natural Remedies for Swollen Adenoids

The doctor may advise a watchful waiting strategy for patients whose swollen adenoids do not require treatment. Otherwise, the most effective treatment is determined by the child's age and the size of their adenoids. If you are thinking about how to reduce adenoid swelling naturally, the following natural methods can help both relieve symptoms and stop recurrent episodes of swollen adenoids.

1. Saltwater or Babul Decoction Gargles

Gargling helps alleviate a variety of throat infections along with swollen adenoids. Gargling with warm salt water helps flush out germs and reduce swelling. Salt absorbs water from inflamed tissues, easing symptoms like snoring and swallowing difficulties. A babul decoction is made by boiling babul bark and works similarly by soothing irritated throat tissues.

2. Using Essential Oils

Essential oils for swollen adenoids are another common natural treatment. Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying diluted oils to the throat or using a diffuser can reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.

3. Cod liver oil for Swollen Adenoids

Cod liver oil is packed with nutrients that reduce inflammation and improve immune function. It also promotes lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling. Kids under 12 benefit most from the liquid form, while older individuals can take capsules.

4. Herbal Remedies

Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, such as thyme, goldenseal, and echinacea, can ease swollen adenoids and improve overall throat health.

• Thyme Tea: Known for its antimicrobial properties, thyme tea can relieve nasal blockages and reduce symptoms like a runny nose.
• Chamomile Tea: Chamomile helps combat infections and allergic reactions, two common causes of swollen adenoids. Children should have only half a cup.

Other food ingredients that may help in home treatment for enlarged adenoids are as follows:

5. Garlic cloves for Swollen Adenoids 

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It contains allicin, a compound that kills harmful bacteria. Consuming raw garlic or garlic-infused honey can help reduce swelling caused by infections.

6. Honey and Lemon Juices for Swollen Adenoids

Honey soothes throat inflammation and strengthens the immune system with its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Combined with lemon juice, it can be a powerful remedy for swollen adenoids.

7. Ginger for Swollen Adenoids

Ginger has potent antiseptic properties that can ward off any infection, just like any other treatment for swelling. Additionally, this spice can improve digestion, treat nausea, and combat cough and cold symptoms. Ginger can be used as a juice, oil, powder, dried, or fresh.

8. Turmeric milk for Swollen Adenoids

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking warm milk with a dash of turmeric can help reduce swelling and fight infections.

9. Tomatoes for Swollen Adenoids

Tomatoes contain naringenin chalcone, which can reduce nasal congestion and allergic symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. They are especially helpful when allergies trigger swollen adenoids.

10. Apples for Swollen Adenoids

Like tomatoes, apples are also helpful in the treatment of swollen adenoids. A study found that eating apple slices helped reduce allergic response symptoms. Apples have antihistamine properties and can help reduce allergic reactions that cause enlarged adenoids. Eating apple slices regularly may provide long-term benefits.

Minor Lifestyle Changes

Making minor lifestyle changes may also help control symptoms and stop the development of adenoid enlargement apart from home remedies to cure swollen adenoids. These lifestyle changes are as follows:

• Maintain hydration: Drinking lots of water keeps mucus flowing and thin, which helps to prevent blockages.
• Enhance air quality: Adenoids can be prevented from swelling even more by using air purifiers and avoiding irritants like smoke and allergies.
• Healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced, vitamin-rich diet can boost immunity and lower the risk of diseases that could harm the adenoids.

Even though these home remedies to cure swollen adenoids can be beneficial, it's important to speak with a doctor to decide on the best course of action. In more severe cases, surgery can still be the best option for long-term relief.

Final Words

Although enlarged adenoids are more common in children, adults can experience them too. This is often due to factors like smoking or air pollution. If you or your child is dealing with this issue, following natural remedies and simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. But remember, if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. 

The doctors at Apollo Spectra can assess the condition and recommend the most suitable treatment. Book an appointment today for expert care.