What tests are needed for adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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The adenoids are located at the back end of the nasal cavity in the nasopharyngeal area, so the examination needed for adenoid hypertrophy is generally the electronic nasopharyngoscopy. Electronic nasopharyngoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visual observation of the enlarged adenoids and the blockage of the posterior nasal apertures. Modern electronic nasopharyngoscopes are very thin; they can be inserted through the nostrils directly into the nasopharynx, providing a clear view of the adenoids with minimal discomfort and no radiation exposure, making it the preferred method. Another test that can be performed is a lateral X-ray of the nasopharynx. This examination has been a classic approach and is available in many township and county hospitals. It can accurately display the condition of adenoid hypertrophy and any airway obstruction. However, the only drawback is that it involves some level of radiation exposure.

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Otolaryngology
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What anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken for adenoid hypertrophy?

Most glandular hypertrophy does not require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, as it is a common condition or physiological manifestation in children. Glandular hypertrophy is the proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharyngeal area, causing partial obstruction of the posterior nasal aperture. Initially, clinical symptoms should be assessed. If there is only simple hypertrophy without any discomfort, it can be observed without treatment. However, if glandular hypertrophy is accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing, the use of oral medications and nasal sprays should be considered, but generally, anti-inflammatory drugs are not needed. If there is an acute inflammatory response in the glands, the use of antibiotics along with regular follow-ups and nasal cavity cleaning should be considered. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should only be taken under the guidance of a professional medical doctor, and blind medication should be avoided.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy mainly occurs in infants and children. It is a congenital disease, meaning that most children are born with varying degrees of adenoid hypertrophy. However, in many children, the adenoids begin to shrink after six months and generally do not cause symptoms. If the adenoids are enlarged, it can lead to the child breathing through their mouth, snoring, and gasping, which may cause facial changes, brain hypoxia, and delayed brain development. In such cases, adenoidectomy might be considered, generally performed under general anesthesia. However, some children with adenoid hypertrophy also have enlarged tonsils, so both surgeries are often performed together. Otherwise, if only the adenoid hypertrophy is treated without addressing enlarged tonsils, problems such as mouth breathing and snoring may not improve.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy heal itself?

The adenoids are normal lymphoepithelial tissue located in our nasopharynx. In young children, especially around the ages of 5-6, the adenoids become enlarged or hyperplastic. This can then easily lead to the obstruction of surrounding structures causing issues such as snoring, sinusitis, and otitis media. Generally, adenoid hypertrophy is self-resolving because, after the age of around ten, the adenoids gradually atrophy. However, there are a minority of patients in whom the adenoids do not atrophy. Although the adenoids of the vast majority of patients will atrophy around the age of ten, it is important to recognize that from hypertrophy to atrophy, there is a long duration during which if deformities or conditions that affect body development occur, they cannot be reversed to normal. Therefore, it is essential to treat and intervene timely in patients with adenoid hypertrophy.

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Which department should I visit for adenoid hypertrophy?

Enlarged adenoids should be examined by an otolaryngologist. Enlarged adenoids are a relatively common condition, usually seen in children, though a small portion of adults may experience it as well. The main symptoms of enlarged adenoids include nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to mouth breathing or a distinctive "adenoid facies". These symptoms are usually more apparent in children around the ages of 5 to 6, and the adenoids generally begin to shrink after the age of 8. However, if the symptoms are pronounced during childhood, timely treatment is necessary. Prolonged lack of treatment or ineffective medication can potentially lead to abnormal development of the facial bones. Therefore, timely medical treatment is crucial, and in severe cases, surgery might be required.