Enlarged adenoids and sleep problems and snoring in children

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  • Enlarged adenoids can be observed from the main symptoms of “stuffy nose” and “snoring” during sleep at night. It usually occurs in children aged 3-6 years. In the long term, it may result in sleep apnea.
  • If adenoids are found to be enlarged and symptoms are severe, they may obstruct the upper airway.
  • It causes sleep apnea, lack of oxygen, and can be severe enough to cause death.
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Adenoids are lymph nodes located at the back of the nasal cavity above the tonsils. They are not visible through the mouth. Adenoids are part of the immune system and are responsible for trapping bacteria or viruses that enter the upper respiratory tract. When there is an infection in the body, the adenoids will swell and become inflamed, which is a sign that something is wrong. Adenoid enlargement is most often found in children between the ages of 3 and 6 years. It is the cause of 7% of children snoring and 2% of children have sleep apnea.  

Adenoids have a protective role in protecting children from germs only between the ages of 2 and 12. As children grow older, the adenoids gradually lose their role until they have no effect on protecting against any diseases in adulthood.   

Causes of enlarged adenoids

Adenoids are swollen due to bacterial or viral infections that enter the nose. This is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection. Once the infection has subsided, the adenoids will shrink back to their normal size on their own. However, in some children, the adenoids will remain swollen even after the infection has stopped. In children with allergies,  chronic sinusitis , or recurring colds, adenoids may also be a trigger for enlargement.

Impact on children with adenoid enlargement

  • Jaw misalignment due to continuous mouth breathing
  • Middle ear infection: When adenoids are enlarged, they block the flow of air in and out of the middle ear, causing fluid to build up, which can cause hearing and speech problems.
  • Sleep apnea occurs due to the effect of adenoids on the upper airway.
  • Children who do not get enough sleep have an impact on their physical, intellectual and emotional development.
  • There are germs hiding in the adenoids, becoming a source of germs, causing children to have chronic colds.

Symptoms of adenoid enlargement

Adenoids are associated with the upper respiratory tract and are most commonly seen at night. The two main symptoms are “stuffy nose” and “snoring”, but other symptoms may also occur, as follows:

  • Restless sleep
  • Have sleep apnea
  • sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Middle ear infection causes tinnitus and decreased hearing.
  • Breathing through your mouth causes dry, peeling lips and bad breath. 
  • Chronic nasal congestion and runny nose