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Adenoid hypertrophy
Adenoid hypertrophy is what?
The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in our nasopharynx, and it has certain immune functions. Under the stimulation of various factors such as infectious or immune factors, the immune tissue and glands of the adenoid hypertrophy, leading to enlarged adenoids. Once the adenoids are enlarged, they can block our posterior nasal apertures and the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. This, in turn, can cause us to snore, breathe through the mouth, and lead to secretory otitis media. The progression of the condition can affect our hearing, impact physical development, affect the development of the facial and jaw regions, and result in an adenoid facies. Therefore, when clinical symptoms of adenoid enlargement appear, active management is generally required, mainly surgical treatment.
How is adenoid hypertrophy surgery performed?
The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in the nasopharyngeal region. Enlargement of the adenoid can block the nasal passages, leading to snoring and sleep apnea, often requiring surgical removal of the adenoid. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Firstly, we use a catheter to suspend the soft palate to expose the adenoid tissue. Then, using a nasal endoscope, with the right hand holding a plasma knife, the enlarged adenoid is ablated. The surgery involves inserting the nasal endoscope and adenoid knife through the mouth. The procedure is relatively short, lasting about five to ten minutes. There is very little bleeding after the surgery, making it truly a minimally invasive procedure.
Minimally invasive surgery for adenoid hypertrophy
Adenoids refer to the glands in the nasopharyngeal area. Enlarged adenoid tissues can block the nasal cavity or the pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube. Clinical symptoms often require surgical removal of the adenoids. The main steps in the surgery include the following: firstly, general anesthesia is administered; secondly, the adenoids are exposed, primarily by suspending the soft palate with a catheter, followed by the insertion of a tonsil opening device; thirdly, the adenoids are gradually ablated and removed using a nasopharyngoscope and a plasma ablation knife head; finally, the surgery is concluded. After the surgery, it is necessary to continue treating the enlarged adenoids with medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
What medicine is good for adenoid hypertrophy?
The adenoids are lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx, and adenoid hypertrophy can be treated with some medications. Adenoid hypertrophy is often related to allergic factors or stimulation from bacterial infections. Therefore, for the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy, some medications can be used for nasal administration, such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, as well as anti-allergy medications like montelukast sodium. Additionally, some traditional Chinese medicines with aromatic properties, such as Bi Yuan Tong Qiao granules, can be used as adjunct therapy. In summary, the pharmaceutical treatment for adenoid hypertrophy is not directly targeted, and the effectiveness of medication is relatively poor, so a comprehensive evaluation of the condition should be considered when contemplating medication treatment.
The difference between adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy.
There is a fundamental difference between adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy, yet there are certain connections between them. The adenoids are located in the nasopharynx and are also a lymphoepithelial organ. The nature of adenoid hypertrophy leads to an increase in size, causing obstruction of the posterior nasal apertures and the Eustachian tubes, resulting in symptoms such as snoring and otitis media. Tonsils, on the other hand, are located in the oropharynx and their enlargement can block the oropharynx, leading to rapid breathing and obstructed breathing. It is common for tonsil hypertrophy to occur physiologically in children; clinically, it is often observed that children with tonsil hypertrophy also have adenoid hypertrophy. Both generally occur together because they are part of the internal ring of the pharyngeal lymphatic ring, which establishes a link between them. In summary, while adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy differ fundamentally in location and the manner of pathological changes, they are connected in certain ways.
What is adenoid hypertrophy in children?
The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil or lymphoid tissue, is located at the top of the nasopharynx and the posterior pharyngeal wall. It looks like an orange segment and is most active in growth from ages 2 to 6 in children, gradually atrophying after age 10. Due to repetitive inflammation, the adenoid can undergo pathological hyperplasia, known as adenoid hypertrophy, which can cause clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and mouth breathing. The main cause of adenoid hypertrophy is inflammation in the nasopharyngeal region or the adenoid itself. Repeated stimulation leads to pathological hyperplasia. Common causes include recurrent acute and chronic nasopharyngitis, various acute infectious diseases in childhood, which exacerbate nasal congestion symptoms, obstruct nasal drainage, and nasal and sinus secretions further stimulate the adenoid, causing it to continue to grow and creating a vicious cycle.
Can adenoid hypertrophy cause otitis media?
Adenoid hypertrophy is commonly seen in children. The adenoids are located at the back of the nasal cavity, more precisely, at the nasopharyngeal region of the posterior nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is connected to the ears via the Eustachian tube, whose internal opening is situated in the nasopharynx. If the adenoids are enlarged, they can block the internal opening of the Eustachian tube. Therefore, adenoid hypertrophy can cause secretory otitis media. The common symptoms of secretory otitis media in children include a decrease in hearing, turning up the volume of the TV intentionally, and a sluggish response when called. This explains the mechanism and clinical presentation of how adenoid hypertrophy can lead to otitis media.
Can adenoid hypertrophy be prevented by vaccination?
Enlarged glands can lead to sleep apnea, snoring, decreased hearing, and secondary sinus infections. If the enlargement is simple without these symptoms, it does not affect vaccination. However, if the enlargement leads to acute sinus infection, manifested by chills, fever, a large amount of thick nasal discharge, or pus-like discharge, these are symptoms of an acute infection, and vaccination should not be administered. Appropriate treatment should be given first, and after the condition is controlled, vaccination can then proceed. Simple adenoid hypertrophy does not impact vaccination.
What should be done about children's adenoid hypertrophy?
In the case of adenoid hypertrophy in children, the first step is to assess the severity of the enlargement. If the adenoids are enlarged to the third degree, affecting breathing, especially with noticeable snoring after falling asleep at night, or symptoms such as frequent waking due to choking and hypoxia, surgery is generally recommended. This involves going to an otolaryngology department to surgically remove the enlarged adenoids. If the enlargement is only at the first degree or between the first and second degrees, and not very severe, local anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing medications can be used for treatment.
Conservative treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy
Adenoid hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of glandular tissue located in the nasopharynx, which blocks the nasal cavity or obstructs the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to otitis media. Patients may experience symptoms such as snoring during sleep. Conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy mainly refers to medication therapy for enlarged glands. Medications such as mometasone furoate and montelukast sodium can be used, as well as inhalation therapy with medicated mists. Inhalation therapy primarily involves nasal cavity inhalation, such as using sprays. Overall, the efficacy of conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy is relatively poor. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the condition comprehensively and consider timely surgical treatment if necessary.