Enlarged tonsils and adenoids consist of swollen lymphoid tissue located in the throat (pharynx) and the back of the nose (nasopharynx). While this tissue is a normal part of the developing immune system, in some children, it can become so enlarged that it obstructs natural breathing.

This airway blockage can lead to symptoms such as snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, sleep apnea (pauses in breathing), and recurrent middle ear issues. Depending on the severity and cause, surgical treatment options may include:

• Adenoidectomy: Complete removal of the adenoids (at the back of the nose).
• Tonsillotomy: A partial reduction of the tonsils (to restore free breathing).
• Tonsillectomy: The complete removal of the tonsils.

What is the difference between tonsils and childhood polyps?

Tonsils and adenoid vegetations are both lymphoid tissues, but they are located in different places. The tonsils are located on either side of the throat and can be seen when the child yawns. The adenoid polyps are hidden behind the nose in the nasopharynx and cannot be seen directly. Both can become enlarged and cause problems with breathing and sleep, and because they often grow at the same time, the specialist typically assesses both during the same examination.

What symptoms do enlarged tonsils and childhood polyps cause?

The typical symptoms are about blocked breathing. The child often breathes through the mouth, snores at night, sleeps restlessly and may have pauses in breathing during sleep. Enlarged children's polyps also often cause a stuffy nose, persistent runny nose and repeated middle ear infections with fluid in the middle ear, which can affect hearing. Large tonsils can cause difficulty eating and a hoarse voice. Read more about sleep problems, snoring and sleep apnea in children.

How are enlarged tonsils and childhood polyps treated?

The treatment depends on where the genes are located and is always assessed individually by a specialist. There are three procedures, all of which are performed on an outpatient basis under full anesthesia:

•  Removal of childhood polyps (adenotomy) is used when enlarged childhood polyps block the nose and cause mouth breathing, snoring or recurring ear problems. Read about removal of childhood polyps.
• Tonsil reduction (tonsillotomy) is used in children when large tonsils cause snoring and restless sleep. Only the outer part of the tonsils is removed, which provides a gentle procedure. Read about tonsil reduction.
• Removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is used for repeated sore throats or tonsil plugs in older children and adults, where the entire tonsil is removed. Read about tonsil removal.

The three procedures are often combined when a child has both enlarged tonsils and pediatric polyps.

Tonsils and pediatric polyps at Charlottenlund Private Hospital

At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, specialists in ear, nose and throat diseases investigate and treat enlarged tonsils and pediatric polyps on an outpatient basis. All three procedures are performed annually in large numbers, both for public patients through our tender agreement with the Capital Region of Denmark and for patients with private health insurance. Our anesthesia staff has experience with anaesthetizing children, and the course is planned individually. You will find an overview of all departments on our department page.

Sources:

- Danish Society of Otorhinolaryngology (DSOHH): NKR for tonsillectomy.