AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ENLARGED ADENOIDS

DR V L SHYAM | DUBAI-BASED AYURVEDA PHYSICIAN

Q My daughter is four years old. She has adenoids and hence struggles to breathe through her nose. Please advise if there is a cure in ayurveda to ease the breathing; to build up her immunity. Please also suggest a diet chart for her to deal with the condition.

A Tonsils and adenoids are the body’s first line of defense. They “sample” bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose at the risk of their own infection. Because adenoids trap germs that enter a kid’s body, the adenoid tissue sometimes temporarily swells as it tries to fight off an infection. This is often worsened by food habits, such as consuming cold/fried foods etc.

The swelling might go away on its own, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary. Swollen or infected adenoids can cause problems such as a very stuffy nose, so the child can breathe only through the mouth. The other issues are snoring and trouble getting a good night’s sleep; sore throat and trouble swallowing; ear problems.

Due partly to the interference with oxygenation, but largely to the systemic condition that gives rise to this, such children are flat-chested, thin and anaemic. The nostrils are pinched and coughing commonly accompanies the condition. Sometimes doctors recommend removing the adenoids if medicine doesn’t help.

As for dietary changes, you child should avoid: sleeping in the day, yoghurt, exposure to cold breeze and cold water, ice creams, carbonated drinks, oily foods, milk products.

Your daughter should instead be given cooked vegetables, warm foods and beverages. Include black pepper, turmeric, dried ginger, basil, lemon, cumin, coriander in food preparations.

Drink cumin water or water boiled with dried ginger. Avoid application of coconut oil or other hair oils on scalp. I recommend meeting an Ayurveda doctor as your daughter may require a course of medications based on a personalised consultation.