When is it worth worrying and consulting a specialist? More about this is explained in a press release by Matas Gusarovas, an otorhinolaryngologist at the Altamedica clinic network.
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From a natural reaction to troublesome symptoms
Adenoid enlargement most often occurs in children aged 2–7 years. At this age, children start attending kindergarten or school, interact more with each other, and therefore encounter viruses and bacteria more frequently. When the child’s body fights infection, the adenoids enlarge, and after recovery – they shrink. This is a natural bodily reaction to illness.
“However, sometimes, even after the child has fully recovered, the adenoids may remain enlarged,” explains otorhinolaryngologist M. Gusarovas.
Long-term adenoid enlargement can be triggered by recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis, chronic inflammation, and it is also believed that irrational use of antibiotics, nutrition, and lifestyle factors may have an impact.
In such cases, the child may suffer from recurring or constant symptoms: nasal congestion, ear infections, impaired hearing, mouth breathing, snoring or loud breathing at night, episodes of sleep apnea, morning fatigue, daytime sleepiness.
When can adenoid enlargement harm health?
Although adenoids can naturally enlarge during illness, long-term enlargement should not be considered normal. Concern should arise when symptoms begin to disrupt the child’s well-being and health.
If the child constantly breathes through the mouth, their sleep quality decreases, the body rests less well, which can affect behavior and concentration. Moreover, long-term mouth breathing can influence the formation of the face and jaw, bite, and cause dryness of the oral mucosa.
Enlarged adenoids can also interfere with middle ear ventilation. As a result, fluid may accumulate behind the eardrum, ear infections may recur, and hearing may deteriorate. This is especially important for young children, as good hearing is necessary for smooth speech development and learning.
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How are enlarged adenoids treated?
Treatment of enlarged adenoids depends on the frequency of symptom recurrence and how much the adenoids affect the child’s quality of life.
In milder cases, conservative treatment may be applied: care of the nasal mucosa, nasal hormone sprays, allergy control, correction of environmental factors, proper treatment of acute infections. If an allergy is diagnosed, it is important to reduce allergen exposure and select appropriate treatment. It is also necessary to ensure clean home air with proper humidity.
Surgical treatment is considered when all conservative treatment methods have been tried, but the child still experiences significant symptoms: snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, recurrent ear infections, or hearing impairment.
“Surgery is not the first and only solution for all children. Each case is evaluated individually. The most important factor is not just the size of the adenoids, but the impact they have on the child’s health,” emphasizes M. Gusarovas.
Consult a doctor or wait for the child to outgrow it?
Many parents hope that adenoids will shrink on their own as the child grows. Indeed, adenoid tissue usually decreases over time, especially approaching adolescence. However, this does not mean that waiting is appropriate in all cases.
If the adenoids do not cause significant symptoms, monitoring is sufficient. But if the child constantly breathes through the mouth, snores, sleeps poorly, or frequently suffers from ear infections, waiting is not advisable. In such cases, it is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist.
According to M. Gusarovas, timely consultation with a specialist allows for accurate assessment of symptom causes, selection of appropriate treatment, and helps the child feel better.
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