Adenoids in Children: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore & Effective Treatment Options

Adenoids in Children: Causes, Treatment, and When Surgery is Needed?

Some children experience difficulty breathing during sleep or snoring, which could be due to enlarged adenoids. This condition can affect breathing and cause other complications. In some cases, the doctor may recommend removal. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about adenoids in children.

What Are Adenoids?

Adenoids are tissues located at the back of the nasal passage, above the roof of the mouth and tonsils. Their main function is to protect the body by trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through the nose or mouth.

Adenoids are essential for young children’s immunity but gradually shrink as they grow and often disappear during adolescence. However, in some cases, adenoids become enlarged or inflamed frequently, requiring medical intervention or even surgery.

What Causes Enlarged Adenoids in Children?

Repeated infections in the nose or throat
Allergies
Tonsillitis
Exposure to irritants like passive smoking

Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids in Children

✅ Snoring during sleep
✅ Short pauses in breathing while sleeping
✅ Noisy or difficult breathing
✅ Restless sleep
✅ Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
✅ Dry and cracked lips due to mouth breathing
✅ Bad breath
✅ Difficulty swallowing
✅ Persistent runny nose
✅ Frequent ear infections
✅ Recurrent colds
✅ Swollen glands in the neck
✅ Persistent headaches
✅ Sinus infections leading to excessive nasal mucus

Complications of Enlarged Adenoids

Middle ear infections
Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
Difficulty breathing through the nose, leading to continuous mouth breathing

How Is Enlarged Adenoids Diagnosed?

If symptoms persist, a pediatrician may refer the child to an ENT specialist for evaluation. Diagnosis includes:
Examining the throat and nose
Blood tests if an infection is suspected
Sleep study if the child has breathing issues during sleep

Treatment of Enlarged Adenoids in Children

Some children do not require treatment, but in certain cases, the doctor may recommend:

Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection
Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids to reduce swelling
Adenoidectomy (Adenoid Removal Surgery) if symptoms are severe

When Does a Child Need Adenoid Removal Surgery?

The doctor may recommend surgery if the child suffers from:
Recurrent adenoid and sinus infections
Frequent ear infections
Severe breathing difficulties, especially during sleep

How Is Adenoidectomy Performed?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and the adenoids are removed through the mouth. Most children are discharged on the same day.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Recovery takes about a week. Common post-surgery effects include:
Mild throat pain
Slight bleeding
Runny nose
Temporary difficulty in breathing for the first two days