WHAT ARE THE ADENOIDS, AND CAN THEY CONTRIBUTE TO SNORING/SLEEP APNEA?

The adenoids are typically normal lymphoid tissue that rest in the nasopharynx (where the nasal cavity turns into the “throat” in the back). In children it is not uncommon for the adenoids to be large enough (“hypertrophied”) to obstruct nasal airflow and lead to snoring and, in some cases, OSA. While the adenoids typically shrink and regress with age, there are several adults in whom the adenoids are persistent and large. In these cases, the adenoids may lead to nasal airway blockage, turbulent airflow, snoring, and/or OSA.