ENLARGED ADENOIDS

What is it?

The adenoids are tissues located in the passage that connects the nose and the throat. Adenoids filter out bacteria and viruses entering through the nose and produce antibodies to help the body fight infections.

Who gets it?

Enlargement of the adenoids can start before birth but is often stimulated by chronic inflammation. It more commonly causes problems in children due to the small size of the airways.

What are the symptoms?

There are several symptoms associated with enlarged adenoids:

• stuffy or blocked nose making nose breathing difficult leading to mouth breathing
• breathing is noisy
• speech being very nasal
• frequent ear infections
• snoring
• sleep apnea (short periods of breath holding during sleep)

When should I go to my GP?

If your child is consistently suffering from any of the above symptoms make an appointment to see your GP.

What tests will the Doctor want to do?

The GP will want to examine the throat and will probably use a small mirror to look further down the nasopharynx.

An X-Ray may also show enlarged adenoids.

What is the short-term treatment?

Infections caused by the enlarged adenoids will be treated with antibiotics where appropriate.

Will I need long-term treatment?

Surgery to remove the adenoids is only needed if the symptoms are severe or recur frequently. Most children stop suffering as they grow and so removal of the adenoids is undertaken less frequently than in the past.

Will I need long-term treatment?

No long-term treatment is usually required.

Will hospital referral be needed?

Hospital referral will only be needed if surgery is being considered.