What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Enlarged Tonsils and/or Adenoids?
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Trouble breathing through the nose
- Ear infections
- Loud breathing or snoring
- Trouble sleeping or restless sleep
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Sleep apnea, a condition that causes a child to stop breathing for a few moments while sleeping
What Causes Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids?
- Infections can cause the tonsils and adenoids to swell. Sometimes, they may stay enlarged after the infection is cleared up.
- Some children are born with large tonsils and/or adenoids.
How is tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy treated?
The options to treat enlarged tonsils and adenoids may vary depending on how severe the problem is.
- A nasal spray may help reduce swelling.
- Antibiotics may help fight off the infection causing the enlarged tonsils/adenoids.
A doctor may suggest surgery if a child has trouble breathing, many ear or throat infections, or sleep apnea.
- An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids.
- A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. Often a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are done at the same time.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.