In this article
- Not every enlarged adenoid needs surgery
- Symptoms, sleep, hearing and growth matter
- Nasal assessment and hearing tests may be needed
Assessment and treatment
- Removal through the mouth under anaesthesia
- Fluids, pain control and postoperative instructions
- Review breathing and sleep improvement at follow-up
At a glance
Definition: Removal may be considered when enlarged adenoids contribute to persistent nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring or middle-ear fluid.
Key takeaways
- Not every enlarged adenoid needs surgery
- Symptoms, sleep, hearing and growth matter
- Nasal assessment and hearing tests may be needed
Clinical steps
- Removal through the mouth under anaesthesia
- Fluids, pain control and postoperative instructions
- Review breathing and sleep improvement at follow-up
Red flags: After surgery, fresh bleeding, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or inability to drink needs urgent contact.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
After surgery, fresh bleeding, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or inability to drink needs urgent contact.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with not every enlarged adenoid needs surgery.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: After surgery, fresh bleeding, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or inability to drink needs urgent contact.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.