What Is Adenoid Hypertrophy / Enlarged Adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids can become nearly the size of a ping pong ball and completely block airflow through the nasal passages. Even if enlarged adenoids are not substantial enough to physically block the back of the nose, they can obstruct airflow enough so that breathing through the nose requires an uncomfortable amount of work. 

There are many problems associated with this condition including persistent congestion, ear problems, sinusitis, disruption to sleep and problems eating.

Surgeons normally suggest, in young children, waiting and seeing if the adenoids shrink as they grow up.  However, as in many of the case we see, the adenoids are so enlarged and causing such significant issues that waiting isn’t acceptable and surgery sooner rather than later is the best course of action.

The operation, performed  ENT surgeons, is called an adenoidectomy which surgically remove the adenoids.