Many people with enlarged adenoids have few or no symptoms. You
may not need treatment. Adenoids shrink as a child grows older.
If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Surgery to remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy) may be done if
the symptoms are severe or persistent. Calling your health care
provider Call your health care provider if your child has
difficulty breathing through the nose or other symptoms of
enlarged adenoids. Early treatment of throat infections may
prevent prevent the adenoids from becoming swollen. Removing the
adenoids prevents long-term airway blockage. Wetmore RF. Tonsils
and adenoids. In: Kliegman RM,Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF,
eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 375. Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA,
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of
Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health
Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA,
David R. Eltz, Stephanie