(or adenoidal growths), enlarged pharyngeal tonsils, which are located in the upper back portion of the throat behind the nasal passage. Adenoids are most frequently observed in children four to eight years of age. The major symptom of adenoids is difficulty in nasal breathing. As a result, the child’s mouth is almost always open, his teeth grow incorrectly, and he is susceptible to chronic head colds. When the adenoids are extremely enlarged, the voice takes on nasal tones, causing m and η to sound like b and d. By blocking the opening of the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, adenoids cause repeated ear infections that lead to gradual impairment of hearing. Children with adenoids often suffer from insomnia, which results in decreased attention span and poor memory. Sometimes bed-wetting occurs. The treatment of adenoids is surgical. After their removal, nasal breathing does not return immediately, and breathing exercises are beneficial (on the advice of a physician).
L. V. NEIMAN