"He has enlarged adenoids." Many parents hear this at the doctor's office without really knowing what it means. Yet adenoids often explain an always-stuffy nose, snoring, or an open mouth at night.
What are adenoids?
Adenoids are a small clump of tissue located at the very back of the nose, above the throat. Like the tonsils, they help defend against germs. You can't see them by looking in your child's mouth.
They grow during early childhood, with colds and infections, and then generally shrink as the child grows. When they're too large, they partly block the airway between the nose and the throat.
Symptoms that should make you think of adenoids
- a constantly stuffy nose, even without a cold;
- mouth breathing, during the day and especially at night (see child sleeping with the mouth open);
- snoring (see my child snores);
- a "nasal" voice, as if their nose were pinched;
- repeated colds and ear infections;
- restless sleep and tiredness on waking.
How the doctor makes the diagnosis
The pediatrician listens to what you describe and examines your child. If needed, they refer you to an ENT doctor, who can look at the back of the nose with a small flexible camera. It's quick.
What treatments are there?
It all depends on how much they're bothered:
- often, the first steps are saline nasal rinses and treating any allergy;
- if the adenoids really get in the way (significant snoring, sleep apnea, repeated ear infections), the ENT doctor may suggest removing them. It's a short, common procedure in children.
Only a doctor can decide what's right for your child.
Why not let it drag on
A child who breathes through the mouth for months often sleeps less well. Dentists, orthodontists, and ENT doctors also keep a close eye on mouth breathing in children, because of its link to tongue position and jaw growth.
What you can do in the meantime
- regular saline nasal rinses, especially in the evening;
- an aired-out, cool bedroom, with bedding washed often (dust mites);
- avoiding tobacco smoke;
- making sure their head stays in line at night: a head tipped back opens the mouth.
What about the pillow? A pillow doesn't treat adenoids. But a well-positioned head avoids adding a positioning problem to a nose problem, and helps the mouth stay closed.
The Lymphelia Kids Posture Pillow has a center dip and neck support, in 3 heights by age, to keep the head in line with the back all night.
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Frequently asked questions
At what age are adenoids largest?
During early childhood, often around preschool age. They generally shrink as the child grows.
Can adenoids cause snoring?
Yes, it's one of the most common causes of snoring in children.
Who should I see about adenoids?
Your pediatrician first, who will refer you to an ENT doctor if needed.
Is surgery always necessary?
No. Surgery is suggested when the adenoids really interfere with breathing or cause repeated infections. The ENT doctor decides with you.