Symptoms, Causes, and Adenoid Treatment in Rochester Hills, Michigan

If your child struggles with chronic ear infections, loud snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, or frequent sinus infections, enlarged adenoids may be the cause. At ENT Care of Michigan, our experienced pediatric ENT specialists help families throughout Rochester Hills, Greater Oakland County, and Southeast Michigan diagnose and treat adenoid problems so children can breathe easier, sleep better, and stay healthier.

What Are Adenoids?

Adenoids are small patches of tissue located behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth. They are part of the immune system and help trap bacteria and viruses that enter through the nose and mouth. Adenoids are most active during early childhood, helping babies and young children fight infections while their immune systems develop. As children grow older, adenoids naturally begin to shrink, typically around age 5, and often become much smaller by the teenage years. Although adenoids serve an important purpose early in life, they can sometimes become enlarged or chronically infected, leading to breathing, sleep, and ear-related problems.

Adenoids vs. Tonsils: What’s the Difference?

Adenoids and tonsils are both part of the body’s immune defense system, but they are located in different areas.

• Tonsils are located at the back of the throat and are visible through the mouth. They help trap germs entering through the mouth.
• Adenoids are located higher up, behind the nasal cavity, and cannot be seen without special instruments. They help filter germs entering through the nose.

When either the tonsils or adenoids become chronically enlarged or infected, they can contribute to ongoing ENT problems in children.

How Big Are Adenoids?

This depends on the child’s exact age, growth tracking, and whether the adenoid is infected. Pediatric studies show that sizes vary wildly; an enlarged adenoid can reach up to 11.6 millimeters, though the average size is about half that.

What Causes Enlarged Adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids are common in children and are often caused by recurring infections, allergies, chronic sinus issues, or ongoing inflammation.

When adenoids swell, they can block airflow through the nasal passages, making it difficult for children to breathe normally and sleep comfortably.

Signs and Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids in Children

Children with enlarged adenoids may experience a variety of symptoms, including chronic nasal congestion, mouth breathing, loud snoring, restless sleep, pauses in breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), frequent ear infections, recurring sinus infections, a persistent runny nose, chronic sore throat, difficulty breathing through the nose, bad breath, and nasal-sounding speech.

If your child regularly experiences these symptoms, a pediatric ENT evaluation can help determine whether enlarged adenoids are contributing to the problem.Children with enlarged adenoids may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

How Are Adenoid Problems Diagnosed?

At ENT Care of Michigan, our pediatric ENT specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to determine whether enlarged adenoids are causing your child’s symptoms.

Depending on your child’s condition, testing may include a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, imaging studies such as X-rays, hearing evaluations, or sleep studies for suspected sleep apnea.

Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan that supports your child’s long-term health.

When Should Adenoids Be Removed?

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove enlarged or chronically infected adenoids. Surgery may be recommended if your child experiences persistent breathing problems, chronic ear infections, sleep apnea, frequent sinus infections, or ongoing nasal blockage that does not improve with conservative treatment.

In many cases, allergy management or medications may be recommended before surgery is considered.

What to Expect During an Adenoidectomy

An adenoidectomy is a common outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure:

• The adenoids are removed through the mouth
• No visible scars are created
• Most children return home the same day
• Recovery generally takes about one week

Complications are uncommon. Recovery usually takes about one week, and many children experience significant improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and recurring infections after surgery.

Pediatric ENT Specialists in Rochester Hills, Michigan

At ENT Care of Michigan, we provide compassionate pediatric ENT care for children throughout Rochester Hills, Oakland County, and Southeast Michigan.

We treat a wide range of pediatric ENT conditions, including:

• Enlarged adenoids
• Chronic ear infections
• Tonsil problems
• Sleep apnea
• Sinus conditions
• Nasal obstruction
• Allergy-related ENT issues

We are committed to helping children achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life through personalized care and advanced treatment options.

Schedule an Appointment with ENT Care of Michigan

If your child is showing signs of enlarged adenoids, chronic snoring, sleep apnea, or recurring ear and sinus infections, the team at ENT Care of Michigan in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a pediatric ENT evaluation and learn more about treatment options for enlarged adenoids and related ENT conditions.