POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy1 Year agoA. Adenoids are graded based on their size and the degree to which they obstruct the airway, typically observed through imaging like an X-ray or endoscopy. Here's a general guide on how the grades are determined:
1. **Grade 1**: Adenoids occupy 1/3 of the airway.
2. **Grade 2**: Adenoids occupy 1/3 to 2/3 of the airway.
3. **Grade 3**: Adenoids occupy more than 2/3 of the airway.
4. **Grade 4**: Adenoids completely obstruct the airway.
### Symptoms Indicating Severity
- **Mild (Grade 1)**:
- Occasional mouth breathing
- Mild snoring
- **Moderate (Grade 2)**:
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Persistent snoring
- Nasal speech
- **Severe (Grade 3 and 4)**:
- Constant mouth breathing
- Loud snoring and possible sleep apnea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic ear infections or hearing loss
### Diagnosis
To accurately diagnose and grade adenoids, a visit to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist is recommended. They may perform:
- **Nasal endoscopy**: A small camera is inserted into the nose to directly visualize the adenoids.
- **Lateral neck X-ray**: Provides an image showing the size of the adenoids and their effect on the airway.
- **Sleep studies**: If sleep apnea is suspected due to severe obstruction.
### When to Seek Medical Attention
- Persistent or severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, frequent ear infections, or significant impact on sleep and daily activities warrant a medical evaluation.
If you suspect your child has issues with their adenoids, consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action.
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