The difference between adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy.

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy cause a fever?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common condition in children and is an overgrowth of normally occurring tissue. It does not cause fever on its own. However, diseases secondary to adenoid hypertrophy, such as sinusitis and otitis media, might lead to fever. During the acute infection phase of hypertrophied adenoids, referred to as acute adenoiditis, fever can occur. Therefore, clinically, it is essential to distinguish between different stages and conditions of adenoid hypertrophy to manage it correctly. Simply put, adenoid hypertrophy does not cause fever by itself.

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Written by Li Rui
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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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy have a strange smell?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common ENT disease, mostly seen in infants and young children aged 5 to 7 years. Before surgery for adenoid hypertrophy, the blockage of the posterior nasal aperture can cause edema, inflammation, and purulent secretions in the sinus and nasal mucosa, leading to an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy usually need to undergo adenoidectomy using a plasma knife. After the surgery, local burns can cause necrosis of the mucosa, resulting in bad odors in both the nasal and oral cavities. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, the main approach is to maintain oral hygiene, which can help reduce the unpleasant nasal odors.