Adenoids in Children: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Adenoid problems are a common reason families in Grand Rapids visit their pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Understanding what adenoids are and how they affect your child’s health can help you know when to seek care at local providers like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

What Are Adenoids?

Adenoids are small patches of lymph tissue located high in the throat, behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (where you can’t see them by looking in the mouth). They are part of the lymphatic system, which supports the immune system in fighting infection.

Other lymph nodes are found in the:

  • Neck
  • Armpits
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Groin

Together with the tonsils, the adenoids form part of the body’s first line of defense against germs that enter through the nose and mouth. This is especially important for children in West Michigan, where seasonal viruses are common in the fall and winter.

How Adenoids Help Protect Against Infection

When your child breathes in through the nose:

  1. Hairs and mucus in the nose trap dust, pollen, and germs.
  2. Adenoids help fight infection by producing antibodies and white blood cells that attack bacteria and viruses.

In young children, adenoids are relatively large and active. As children grow into teenagers and adults, the adenoids usually shrink naturally and play a smaller role in the immune system.

However, because adenoids sit directly in the path of inhaled germs, they can become infected and swollen, especially during cold and flu season in Grand Rapids.

What Happens When Adenoids Are Infected or Enlarged?

When adenoids become infected (adenoiditis) or chronically enlarged, they can block airflow through the nose. This may cause your child to:

  • Breathe mostly through the mouth
  • Snore at night
  • Have restless sleep
  • Sound “nasal” or like they have a constant stuffy nose
  • Have trouble pronouncing certain consonants, especially “m” and “n”

Because the adenoids are located near the Eustachian tubes (the small tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat), swollen adenoids can also affect the ears and sinuses.

Common Symptoms of Problem Adenoids

If your child has infected or enlarged adenoids, you might notice:

  • Chronic or loud snoring
  • Mouth breathing, especially at night
  • Stuffy or blocked nose without much nasal discharge
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Trouble hearing or needing things repeated
  • Nasal-sounding speech (“talking through the nose”)
  • Bad breath
  • Frequent sore throats or throat clearing
  • Restless sleep or possible pauses in breathing during sleep (sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea)

In Grand Rapids, parents often notice these symptoms more during the winter months, when indoor heating and dry air can worsen congestion and upper respiratory infections.

Complications of Infected or Enlarged Adenoids

Untreated adenoid problems can lead to other health issues, including:

1. Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Because the adenoids sit right at the opening of the Eustachian tubes:

  • Infection can spread from the adenoids to the middle ear.
  • This can cause repeated middle ear infections, which may temporarily affect hearing.

In young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers in Kent County, frequent ear infections can interfere with speech and language development.

2. Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)

Swollen adenoids can block the Eustachian tubes and prevent normal mucus from draining out of the middle ear. This can cause:

  • A build-up of thick, sticky fluid (often called ���glue ear”)
  • Difficulty hearing because the fluid prevents the tiny bones in the middle ear from moving properly

Glue ear can be subtle. You may notice your child:

  • Turns the TV up louder
  • Does not respond when called
  • Seems to “tune out” or appear inattentive

3. Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones of the face and skull. Swollen or infected adenoids can:

  • Block normal sinus drainage
  • Increase the risk of recurrent or chronic sinusitis

Symptoms may include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and persistent cough.

4. Chest Infections

Bacteria or viruses from the adenoids and upper airway can spread down into the:

  • Bronchi (causing bronchitis)
  • Lungs (causing pneumonia)

This is more of a concern in children who already have asthma or other chronic lung conditions, which are relatively common in Michigan due to seasonal allergens and cold, dry winter air.

5. Vomiting of Mucus or Pus

At night, children with infected adenoids may swallow large amounts of mucus or pus. In the morning, they may:

  • Wake up and vomit this material
  • Complain of a sore or upset stomach

How Are Infected Adenoids Treated in Grand Rapids?

Treatment for infected or enlarged adenoids is usually guided by:

  • How sick your child is
  • What other problems the adenoids are causing (ear infections, sinusitis, sleep issues, etc.)

In many cases, “infected adenoids” are not treated alone. Instead, your child’s doctor will focus on treating the related conditions.

Medical Treatment

Your pediatrician, family doctor, or ENT specialist in Grand Rapids may recommend:

  • Pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for sore throat or ear pain
  • Nasal saline sprays or rinses to help clear mucus and reduce congestion
  • Antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is suspected (for example, with middle ear infection or bacterial sinusitis)

If antibiotics and other treatments improve the ear or sinus infection, the infection in the adenoids usually improves as well.

While infections of the adenoids are common, it is rare for “infected adenoids” alone to be the main reason for surgery. An ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) in Grand Rapids may recommend adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) if:

  • Your child has very large adenoids that interfere with breathing, especially at night
  • Your child has recurrent ear infections that are affecting hearing or language development
  • Your child has chronic sinus problems that do not improve with medical treatment
  • Your child is often unwell with repeated throat, ear, or sinus infections
  • Your child has sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea related to enlarged adenoids

Often, the tonsils are removed at the same time (adenotonsillectomy), since recurring infections often involve both the tonsils and the adenoids.

What to Expect from Adenoid Surgery in Grand Rapids

Adenoidectomy is usually a short, routine procedure performed:

  • Under general anesthesia
  • At local hospitals and surgical centers, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health facilities

Possible Short-Term Side Effects

After surgery, some children may experience:

  • Sore throat or discomfort when swallowing
  • Vomiting (especially on the day of surgery)
  • Mild fever
  • Bad breath for several days
  • Small amount of blood in saliva or mucus

More serious bleeding is uncommon but requires immediate medical attention.

Most children:

  • Go home the same day
  • Recover within about 7–10 days
  • Breathe more easily and snore less once healed

Local Resources for Adenoid and ENT Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Families in the Grand Rapids area have access to several high-quality healthcare providers for adenoid and ENT concerns:

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health ENT and Pediatric Clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids ENT Specialists
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health ENT Services
  • Mercy Health Physician Partners – Ear, Nose & Throat

For community health support and information:

  • Kent County Health Department – offers education on childhood infections, vaccinations, and hearing screenings
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – may provide guidance on finding pediatric and ENT services, especially for uninsured or underinsured families

When to Call a Doctor

Contact your child’s doctor or an ENT specialist in Grand Rapids if you notice:

  • Loud, persistent snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Frequent ear infections or concerns about hearing
  • Ongoing nasal congestion and mouth breathing
  • Chronic sinus symptoms that do not improve
  • Concerns about speech or language development

Seek emergency care right away (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department) if:

  • Your child has trouble breathing
  • You see significant bleeding from the nose or mouth after surgery
  • Your child is very lethargic or difficult to wake

Key Points About Adenoids

  • Adenoids are lymph tissue behind the nose that help fight infection, especially in children.
  • Because they are constantly exposed to germs, infections of the adenoids are common.
  • It is unusual for “infected adenoids” alone to be the main reason for treatment.
  • Treatment usually focuses on other problems caused by the adenoids, such as ear infections, sinusitis, or sleep issues.
  • Infections can spread from the adenoids to the ears, causing middle ear infections and sometimes glue ear, which can affect hearing.
  • In Grand Rapids, families can access expert ENT and pediatric care through major health systems like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as community resources like the Kent County Health Department.

If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, snoring, or frequent ear and sinus infections, scheduling an evaluation with a local Grand Rapids pediatrician or ENT specialist is an important next step.