Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx, the area at the back of the nose, occurring in children and rarely in adults. In children, they usually begin to grow from the age of 2 and start causing breathing difficulties. Adenoids continue to grow until the ages of 7-8, then begin to shrink. However, problems due to adenoid growth can occur in early stages (15-24 months) or later stages (11-12 years and older). Because adenoids obstruct airflow from the nose to the back of the throat, they can lead to problems such as snoring during sleep, respiratory distress, and even sleep apnea. Patients who cannot breathe sufficiently cannot enter deep sleep. In children who cannot achieve deep sleep, slowing or cessation of weight and height gain, hyperactivity, and concentration problems may arise. Furthermore, adenoids harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria called biofilms, acting as a bacterial reservoir. This can lead to recurrent or prolonged sinusitis, recurrent middle ear infections, and nighttime coughs. In the long term, it can also cause facial and jaw bone deformities and dental problems.

Diagnosis of adenoids can be easily made using endoscopy through the nose. However, the most important diagnostic criterion is information obtained from parents regarding the child's breathing during sleep. Since every individual's facial structure is different, adenoids large enough to obstruct breathing in one child may not cause the same degree of difficulty in another. Examination checks for other problems that might obstruct breathing. Sometimes, enlarged tonsils may accompany enlarged adenoids. In such cases, the tonsils may need to be removed along with the adenoids. In children with allergies, enlarged adenoids exacerbate the existing problem. Removal of the adenoids will alleviate one of the respiratory burdens on the allergic child and allow them to cope with their allergies more easily.