What Are Adenoids? 7 Important Medical Facts About Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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November 4, 2025

Introduction

Last Updated: 4/11/2025

Adenoids are among the most common nasal conditions, especially in children, though they can also affect adults. Despite their small size, they can significantly impact breathing, sleep, and hearing. The adenoids, or nasopharyngeal tonsils, are small lymphatic tissues located behind the nose and above the throat. They act as the body’s first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. However, when enlarged, they may block the nasal passages and cause breathing difficulties.

In this article, we answer the most common questions about adenoids — what they are, their causes, symptoms, and the best available treatments — so you can better understand this condition and when to see a doctor.

If you suffer from chronic nasal blockage or sleep-related breathing issues, don’t ignore the symptoms — early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Book your appointment now at Magrabi Hospitals with ENT specialists for accurate evaluation and personalized treatment

What Are Adenoids?

Many people wonder, “What are adenoids?” and “What are adenoids in the nose?” Are they the same as the tonsils? This confusion is common, as adenoids are often mistaken for the tonsils that are visible at the back of the throat.

In reality, the adenoids in the nose are the same adenoids we’re referring to in this article. They are small lymphoid tissues located behind the nose and above the throat, forming part of the immune system to trap bacteria and viruses entering through the nasal passages.

The medical term for adenoids in English is Adenoids or Pharyngeal Tonsils. They are active during childhood to help strengthen immunity but may enlarge due to infections or allergies, causing nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties. These cases should always be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

The Shape and Location of the Adenoids

The shape of the adenoids in the nose can vary between individuals, but they typically appear as soft, spongy, pinkish tissues resembling small glands. The location of the adenoids is high in the throat, directly behind the nose, connecting the nasal cavity with the pharynx — which is why they are also called nasopharyngeal adenoids.

Because of their deep location, adenoids cannot be seen by the naked eye as the tonsils can. They are usually examined through nasal endoscopy or radiographic imaging to determine their size and level of inflammation.

Adenoid enlargement is more common in children, and we will cover this in detail in our upcoming article about adenoids in children.

The Difference Between Adenoids and Tonsils

Many people ask about the difference between adenoids and tonsils, as they sound similar. However, they differ significantly in both location and function.

Comparison	Adenoids	Tonsils
Location	Behind the nose and above the throat, not visible to the eye	At the back of the throat on both sides of the tongue, visible when the mouth is open
Function	Filters bacteria entering through the nose	Filters germs and viruses entering through the mouth
Most Affected Group	Mainly children (before puberty)	Both children and adults
Symptoms When Enlarged	Nasal blockage, snoring, sleep apnea	Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever
Examination	Nasal endoscopy or imaging	Direct visual examination inside the mouth
Treatment in Chronic Cases	Anti-allergy medications or surgical removal if needed	Medication or surgical removal for recurrent infections

Although both are lymphatic tissues and part of the immune system, the conditions affecting adenoids differ from those that affect the tonsils in symptoms, causes, and treatment.

To learn more about the tonsils and their enlargement, read our detailed article:
Facts You Should Know About the Tonsils in the Throat. When adenoids enlarge, several symptoms may appear — let’s discuss them below.

Symptoms of Adenoid Enlargement

Adenoid symptoms appear when the tissue becomes inflamed or enlarged enough to block airflow through the nasal passages. Common signs include:

Persistent nasal congestion or blockage.
Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially during sleep.
Snoring or mouth breathing at night.
Nasal-sounding speech.
Recurrent ear or sinus infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Adenoid Enlargement in Adults?

In adults, adenoid symptoms are often milder but tend to be chronic. They include constant nasal blockage that doesn’t respond to medication, frequent chronic sinusitis, headaches, and sleep disturbances due to nasal obstruction.

Can Adenoids Cause Hearing Loss?

Yes. In some cases, enlarged adenoids can block the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. This blockage may lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss or recurrent ear infections.

If you experience these symptoms or frequent nasal obstruction, consult an ENT specialist at Magrabi Hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
Learn more about our ENT Department at Magrabi Hospitals

Causes of Adenoid Enlargement

Adenoid enlargement can occur for several reasons, often related to immune system activity or chronic infection. Common causes include:

Recurrent respiratory infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Chronic allergies that irritate nasal tissues and cause swelling.
Genetic predisposition, as some children inherit a tendency for adenoid growth.
Weakened immune system, making the adenoids more prone to inflammation.

Adenoid hypertrophy is far more common in children due to their highly active immune systems and frequent exposure to pathogens.

Complications and Risks of Untreated Adenoids

Neglecting enlarged adenoids can lead to several health problems, including:

Breathing difficulties due to constant nasal blockage.
Sleep problems such as snoring or sleep apnea.
Hearing issues resulting from repeated middle ear infections.
Chronic sinusitis caused by poor drainage of nasal secretions.
Reduced concentration in children due to fatigue and poor oxygen intake.

Early medical evaluation can prevent these complications and restore healthy breathing and sleep patterns.

Treatment of Adenoid Enlargement

Adenoid treatment varies from one patient to another depending on age, the degree of enlargement, and symptom severity.
In mild cases, medications are usually sufficient to reduce inflammation.

Medical Treatments

Nasal steroid sprays to reduce swelling and congestion.
Antihistamines to manage chronic allergic inflammation.
Antibiotics if bacterial infection is confirmed.

Surgical Removal

If symptoms persist despite medical treatment, or if nasal obstruction and hearing problems are severe, doctors may recommend adenoidectomy — a simple and safe surgical procedure that significantly improves breathing and sleep.

It’s essential not to self-diagnose. Always consult a specialist at Magrabi Hospitals to determine the most suitable treatment for your case. Book your appointment now.

FAQ: Common Questions About Adenoids

1. How do I know if I have adenoids?

You may have enlarged adenoids if you experience persistent nasal blockage, snoring, or mouth breathing. Only an ENT doctor can confirm the diagnosis through a nasal endoscopy or imaging.

2. What causes adenoids to appear?

The main causes are recurrent infections, allergies, and immune system overactivity, particularly in children.

3. When should adenoids be removed?

Surgical removal is recommended when adenoids cause significant nasal obstruction, hearing loss, or sleep apnea, and when medical therapy is ineffective.

4. What happens if adenoids are left untreated?

Untreated adenoids can lead to chronic nasal obstruction, sinus or ear infections, poor sleep, and concentration problems in children.

Conclusion

Adenoids may seem like a minor issue, but when enlarged, they can significantly impact breathing, hearing, and overall well-being. Early medical evaluation ensures proper treatment and helps prevent complications.