Adenoids

adenoids; tonsils; ear; infection; middle; middle ear; otitis; media; otitis media; sinusitis; tonsillitis; virus; snore; breathing; illness. ;

Contents

• Adenoid problems
• Treatment

The adenoids are part of the ring of tonsils at the top of the throat. The tonsils we can see at the back of the tongue are only part of this ring. The adenoids sit above the palate near to the openings of the tubes from the middle ear. They are part of the body's protection against infections. If they get sore or swollen they can cause problems for the child.

Adenoid problems

• The adenoids can become infected as part of a short illness, or can stay swollen over a long time.
• Enlarged adenoids can make it more likely that a child will get ear infections because they block the tubes leading to the middle ear. They can also cause sinusitis and may interfere with breathing so the child has to breathe through the mouth and snores at night.
• Children with large adenoids are often unable to breathe easily through their nose, so they usually breathe through their mouth (their mouth is always open). Their mouth and lips get dry and they may have 'bad breath'.

Treatment

• Children rarely get treatment for infections in their adenoids unless they are causing other health problems. For example if swollen adenoids are causing a middle ear infection, it will be the middle ear infection that will be treated. See the topics 'Ear infections' and 'Sinusitis'  for more information.
• If the ear infections or sinusitis happen often your doctor may recommend removal of the adenoids.
• Some children who snore at night and have restless sleep may have large adenoids which partially block air being breathed in. Some may be healthier and more able to concentrate during the day if their adenoids are removed. You will need to talk to your doctor and get a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

The topic 'Feeling sick' has suggestions for caring for a sick child.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.