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Warning-sign checks

Enlarged adenoids: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if someone:

    • Is struggling to breathe while awake
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Cannot be woken normally
    • Has a prolonged breathing pause or becomes limp

    These signs are not typical of uncomplicated enlarged adenoids and may have another cause.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for repeated breathing pauses, choking or gasping during sleep, significant difficulty swallowing fluids, worsening ear pain with fever, or a marked change in alertness or behaviour.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if nasal blockage, mouth breathing, or regular snoring lasts several weeks.

    Assessment is also appropriate for repeated ear infections, suspected hearing loss, unclear speech, persistent nasal discharge, or sleep symptoms affecting daytime life.

    Adults should arrange an assessment for persistent nasal blockage or suspected adenoid enlargement, particularly if symptoms affect one side, include bleeding, or occur with a neck lump or ongoing fluid in one ear.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Enlarged adenoids. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.