If the tonsils, adenoids, or both are large a person may have snoring, chronic mouth breathing, restless sleep, and possible obstructive sleep apnea. Chronic mouth breathing from large tonsils, adenoids, or both can lead to higher arched palates and poor dentoskeletal formation.

To evaluate size of tonsils and adenoids an examination is performed, a polysomography (sleep study) may be ordered, and/or nasal endoscopy may be performed. Based upon examination, symptoms, and test results further intervention may be required. This may include medication management and/or surgical management such as a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.