Adenoids are a small mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nose, at the back of the throat. They are part of the body’s immune system and help fight germs, especially during early childhood. As children grow older, the adenoids usually shrink and become less important. However, enlarged or infected adenoids can block the airway and cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, disturbed sleep, frequent ear infections, or recurrent sore throats. If these problems persist or affect your child’s daily life, an ENT specialist can evaluate the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.