Adenoids: breathing, sleep and hearing
If your child’s nasal breathing, sleep or hearing is affected, the cause needs assessment. Understand monitoring and treatment for enlarged adenoids.
Where are the adenoids?
The adenoids are immune tissue behind the nose; they cannot be seen directly by opening the mouth as the tonsils can. They may enlarge in childhood and shrink with age. Waiting for them to shrink is not suitable for every child with symptoms.
Which problems should you note?
- Persistent mouth breathing, nasal blockage or noisy breathing.
- Snoring, restless sleep or repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Repeated ear problems or difficulty hearing. These symptoms alone do not diagnose enlarged adenoids.
How is it assessed?
An ENT clinician examines the nose, throat and ears. A thin illuminated instrument may be used to view the area; further hearing or sleep assessment may be arranged. Describe observed breathing pauses, daytime difficulties and previous infections.
Does every enlargement need surgery?
No. Mild symptoms may be monitored or treated according to their cause. Surgery may be considered for airway obstruction, ongoing sleep problems or certain recurring ear or infection problems. The decision depends on the effect on the child, not size alone.
If surgery is planned, get instructions about fasting, medicines, going home and follow-up from the surgical team. This page does not replace individual preoperative or discharge instructions.
Problems that should not be delayed
Report repeated pauses in breathing during sleep promptly. If the child is currently struggling to breathe, turning blue or cannot be woken, call 112. After surgery, bleeding from the nose or throat or vomiting blood requires emergency assessment; do not wait for follow-up.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
Back to the health guide