Does enlarged adenoids require treatment if there is no snoring when sleeping on one's side?

In general, whether treatment is needed for adenoid hypertrophy when a child does not snore while sleeping on their side depends on the specific condition. If the adenoid enlargement is physiological, treatment is usually unnecessary; however, if it is pathological or prominent hypertrophy, timely medical intervention is recommended. The details are as follows:

During children's growth and development, adenoids may undergo a phase of physiological enlargement, which is typically a normal phenomenon related to age and development. In such cases, as long as the child does not exhibit other obvious symptoms—such as difficulty breathing or frequent episodes of apnea—special treatment is generally not required. As the child grows older, the adenoids often gradually shrink and return to a normal size.

Pathological or prominent adenoid hypertrophy is usually caused by inflammation, infection, or other pathological factors. If left untreated over a long period, this type of adenoid enlargement may negatively affect facial development and cognitive growth in children. Therefore, even if the child does not snore when lying on their side and sleep is seemingly unaffected, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are still advised.

Parents should regularly monitor their child’s sleep quality and breathing patterns. Symptoms such as snoring or mouth breathing should be taken seriously. Additionally, maintaining fresh indoor air, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and other harmful irritants, and minimizing the risk of respiratory infections are important preventive measures.