How Enlarged Adenoids Can Affect Your Child’s Breathing and Sleep

Peaceful child sleeping with mouth slightly open, illustrating symptoms of enlarged adenoids such as mouth breathing and disrupted sleep Snoring. Mouth breathing. Restless nights. If these sound familiar, your child’s sleep problems might be linked to enlarged adenoids. These small, soft tissues behind the nasal cavity can obstruct airflow when swollen, causing disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.

At Friedman Plastics & ENT in Scottsdale, AZ, triple board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryan Friedman offers compassionate care and advanced surgical solutions. With extensive training in ENT, head and neck surgery, and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Friedman and his experienced team are uniquely qualified to treat conditions like enlarged adenoids using safe, evidence-based techniques.

1. Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

When adenoids are too large, they can block airflow through the nose during sleep. This may lead to mouth breathing or even sleep apnea, which causes breathing to pause multiple times each night. Interrupted sleep can affect your child’s mood, concentration, and growth.

2. Snoring in Children Linked to Adenoid Enlargement

Snoring isn’t just an adult issue. Persistent snoring in children often points to enlarged adenoids. As airflow becomes restricted, tissues vibrate and create noise. Loud or frequent snoring can indicate the need for an ENT evaluation.

3. Chronic Mouth Breathing and Its Consequences

If your child regularly breathes through their mouth — even when not congested — this may be a sign of nasal obstruction from swollen adenoids. Over time, mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, and altered facial development.

4. Nasal Congestion Without Illness

Children with chronically enlarged adenoids may sound “stuffy” even when they’re not sick. This persistent nasal congestion can make breathing difficult and lead to sinus infections or ear problems.

When to Consider Adenoidectomy

If your child experiences ongoing sleep issues, trouble breathing through the nose, or frequent infections, your ENT may recommend adenoid removal (adenoidectomy). This procedure is often done alongside tonsil removal and has a high success rate in resolving breathing and sleep problems.

Explore ENT Services for Adenoid Concerns in Scottsdale

At Friedman Plastics & ENT in Scottsdale, AZ, our team treats cosmetic and ENT concerns carefully and precisely. If your child is experiencing symptoms tied to enlarged adenoids, call us at (480) 664-0125 to learn more about treatment options or schedule a consultation today.

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