Adenoids

Adenoids are the same tissue as tonsils but is situated at the back of the nose. They are mostly enlarged in children. If they are so big that they block most of the space at the back of the nose the child might present with a blocked nose, mouth breathing, chronic nasal discharge, “nasal “ speech and also hearing loss (if large enough to block the Eustachian tube leading to glue ear).

The doctor might prescribe a trial of nasal steroids first but if not successful might propose an adenoidectomy. Most of the times this is done as a day case – under general anaesthesia.