Enlarged adenoids
About Enlarged Adenoids in Children
Adenoids are small glands located high in the back of the nose. Most children will have adenoids of varying sizes but when they become persistently enlarged, they can cause a range of problems such as:
- Blocked nose and mouth-breathing
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Sleep disruption or even obstructive sleep apnoea
- Frequent ear infections or glue ear
- Persistent nasal congestion and snotty noses
If your child always seems to have a cold, breathes loudly or snores every night, their adenoids may be the reason, especially if symptoms don’t improve with time.
Diagnosis
At your consultation, I’ll ask about your child’s breathing, sleeping and overall health history. I’ll also examine their ears, nose and throat. As adenoids can’t be seen directly from looking into your child’s mouth, I may use a flexible nasal endoscopy (a tiny camera passed through the nose) to look at their size. These assessments help confirm whether the adenoids are contributing to your child’s symptoms and whether treatment is likely to help.
If your child is getting frequent ear infections requiring antibiotics and/or has hearing concerns it is very important to see an ENT specialist.
Treatments
In mild cases, watchful waiting is appropriate, especially since adenoids often shrink on their own. However, if your child has frequent ear infections, sore throat, glue ear, difficulty breathing and/or poor sleep, then we may discuss adenoidectomy (either as an operation on its own, or combined with other procedures).
Getting a clear diagnosis early allows us to plan the right support — whether that’s monitoring, medical treatment or hearing technology.
About Adenoid Surgery
As a consultant ENT surgeon, I perform many adenoidectomy procedures every year. It is a short, surgical procedure and very safe. The procedure typically takes around 15 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic. The adenoids are removed through the mouth (there are no external cuts or scars) using specialist instruments or suction cautery (which helps minimise bleeding).
Children are usually home the same day. Your child may feel tired and have a sore throat or ear pain (referred pain) for a few days, but most bounce back quickly.
Adenoidectomy may also be combined with Tonsillectomy, if tonsils are also enlarged and the child is having frequent tonsillitis infections. Some children who have hearing issues or glue ear involved, may also require grommet insertion to be performed at the same time.
Surgery can lead to significant improvements in your child’s wellness, sleep quality, daytime energy, and school or nursery attendance.
Whatever the cause, early intervention makes a huge difference — helping your child develop speech, confidence and connection with the world around them.
Make an Enquiry
If your child has constant nasal congestion, snores heavily, or is struggling with glue ear, enlarged adenoids could be the root cause. With a clear diagnosis from an ENT specialist like myself, you can work out the best solutions for your child. Please make an enquiry to see me if you have concerns that your child may be suffering from enlarged adenoids.
