Both the tonsils and the adenoid may be enlarged if your child has the above symptoms along with any of the following: Breathing stops for a short period of time at night during snoring or loud breathing; this condition is called sleep apnea. Choking or gasping during sleep.

Can enlarged tonsils cause you to choke?

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children may result from infections but may be normal. Enlargement usually causes no symptoms but can occasionally cause difficulty breathing or swallowing and sometimes recurring ear or sinus infections or obstructive sleep apnea.

Can swollen tonsils block your airway?

Sometimes your tonsils or adenoids become infected or enlarged. In some people, they can cause frequent bacterial infections and can block airways, making it harder to breathe. If your adenoids and tonsils are enlarged, you might notice: It is hard to breathe through your nose.