what do adenoids do

Adenoids are a patch of lymphoid tissue located at the very back of the nasal passage. They play a crucial role in the bodys immune system by trapping harmful bacteria and viruses that are breathed in or swallowed, especially in babies and young children. Adenoids, along with tonsils, help fight off bacteria and viruses by producing antibodies and trapping germs with the help of white blood cells. As children grow older, their bodies develop other ways to combat infections, and adenoids become less important. Enlarged adenoids can occur due to infections or allergies, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty sleeping, snoring, and ear infections. In some cases, when enlarged adenoids cause severe or persistent symptoms, a doctor might recommend their removal through a surgical procedure called adenoidectomy.