Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Enlarged adenoids

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Adenoids - enlarged


Symptoms
  • Bad breath
  • Cracked lips
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth breathing (mostly at night)
  • Mouth open during day (more severe obstruction)
  • Persistent runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Restlessness while sleeping
  • Snoring

Signs and tests

The adenoids cannot be seen by looking in the mouth directly, but can be seen with a special mirror or using a flexible endoscope through the nose.

Tests may include:

  • X-ray (side view of the throat)
  • Sleep apnea studies (severe cases only)

Review Date: 11/12/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)