Enlarged Adenoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Enlarged Adenoids?
An ENT doctor, also called an otolaryngologist, treats enlarged adenoids. This is a doctor for ear, nose, and throat problems, including children's tonsil and adenoid problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are enlarged adenoids?
The adenoids are lymph tissue high in the throat, between the nose and the back of the throat. They are similar to the tonsils. Enlarged adenoids means this tissue is swollen. It is a common problem in children.
Adenoids help protect the body from germs. They trap germs that come in through the mouth and nose. They usually start to shrink after about age 5. By the teenage years, they are almost completely gone. You cannot see them by looking in the mouth.
Symptoms
Children with enlarged adenoids often breathe through the mouth because the nose is blocked. This happens mostly at night, but it can also happen in the day. Many people have few or no symptoms. Possible symptoms include:
- Bad breath, cracked lips, and a dry mouth.
- A runny nose or stuffy nose that does not go away.
- Noisy breathing during the day.
- Snoring and restless sleep.
- Sleep apnea, which means breathing stops for short times during sleep.
- More ear infections. Fluid in the middle ear can also cause short-term hearing loss.
Causes and who gets it
Enlarged adenoids may be normal. A child may have enlarged adenoids at birth. Adenoids can also swell when they are fighting an infection. They might stay enlarged even after the infection is gone.
The problem is most common in children. Adenoids shrink as a child grows older.
How doctors diagnose it
The provider asks about your child's symptoms and medical history. The provider checks your child's ears, throat, and mouth and feels the neck. To see the adenoids, the provider may use a special mirror in the mouth. Another way is an endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a light, passed through the nose. An x-ray of the throat or neck may also be done. A sleep study may be done if sleep apnea is suspected.
Treatment
Many people with enlarged adenoids have few or no symptoms and do not need treatment. If symptoms are not too bad, a child may not need treatment. Adenoids shrink as a child grows older.
If treatment is needed, a child may get a nasal spray to reduce the swelling. A child may get antibiotics if the provider thinks there is a bacterial infection.
An adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoids. A provider may recommend it if:
- Your child has repeated infections of the adenoids.
- Antibiotics do not get rid of a bacterial infection of the adenoids.
- The enlarged adenoids block the airways.
If the tonsils also have a problem, they will probably be removed at the same time. Most children go home the same day. Some throat pain, bad breath, and a runny nose are likely. It can take several days to feel all better.
When to see a doctor
Contact your child's provider if your child has trouble breathing through the nose or other symptoms of enlarged adenoids. See an ENT specialist when your child has common symptoms of infected or enlarged adenoids. Pauses in breathing for a few seconds at night may mean sleep apnea, so mention them to the provider.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child has severe trouble breathing or bluish or gray skin.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can check your child's symptoms and look for signs such as mouth breathing or loud snoring. They can also send your child to an ENT specialist and help with follow-up care.
Common questions
Do enlarged adenoids go away on their own?
Often, yes, because adenoids shrink as a child grows older. They usually start to shrink after about age 5. By the teenage years, they are almost completely gone.
Do enlarged adenoids always need surgery?
No. Many people with enlarged adenoids have few or no symptoms and do not need treatment. Surgery may be done if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Can enlarged adenoids cause ear infections?
Yes, enlarged adenoids can lead to more ear infections. Children with enlarged adenoids may have more frequent ear infections.
Can you see enlarged adenoids by looking in the mouth?
No, a provider cannot see the adenoids just by looking in the mouth. They are higher up than the throat. A provider may use a special mirror, an endoscope, or an x-ray instead.
How long does it take to recover from adenoid surgery?
It can take several days to feel all better. Most children go home the same day as the surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Enlarged adenoids
- MedlinePlus - Adenoids
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery ENT Health - Tonsils and Adenoids
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
