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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you get vaccinated if you have enlarged adenoids?

Adenoid hypertrophy needs to be distinguished first between acute and chronic hypertrophy. If it is acute adenoid hypertrophy, vaccination should not be administered. Acute adenoid hypertrophy is most often caused by an acute inflammatory infection, usually secondary to acute rhinitis or sinusitis. When the inflammation affects the adenoids, it leads to congestion, edema, enlargement, and hyperplasia, resulting in clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, ear stuffiness, and ear pain. The treatment primarily involves symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and edema, which can lead to gradual improvement. Vaccination can be administered once the inflammation has subsided. However, if it is chronic hypertrophy, patients can be vaccinated. Chronic hypertrophy is mostly due to continuous slow enlargement and hyperplasia of the adenoids caused by chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to symptoms like snoring during sleep and mouth breathing. In such cases, adenoidectomy can be curative.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy affect development and height?

Adenoid hypertrophy affects development and height. In this case, due to prolonged enlargement of the adenoids, the patient will experience persistent nasal congestion, along with snoring during sleep. Prolonged hypoxia will lead to developmental delays, short stature, and adenoid facies among other symptoms. Adenoid hypertrophy is mainly caused by the symptoms arising from repeated inflammatory infections, most commonly occurring in children aged three to eight. It can lead to nasal congestion, snoring, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of blocked ears. In severe cases, it can cause abnormal development of adenoid facies, as well as short stature. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, where an electronic nasopharyngoscope can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, prolonged adenoid hypertrophy may require adenoidectomy to completely cure the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy require surgery?

The adenoids are tissue organs located in our nasopharynx. Whether we need surgery after adenoid hypertrophy depends on two circumstances. The first is the degree of hypertrophy; if the adenoids are significantly enlarged, we might consider surgery. However, merely having enlarged adenoids is not enough; we need to see if the hypertrophy blocks the nasal cavity, obstructs our Eustachian tube, leads to adenoid facies, etc. If there are symptoms and secondary diseases, such hypertrophied adenoids, also known as adenoid hypertrophy, will necessitate surgery. If the adenoid hypertrophy is mild and presents no symptoms, we can temporarily observe without needing surgical intervention.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does adenoid hypertrophy always require surgery?

Is surgery necessary for adenoid hypertrophy? The answer is not necessarily. Adenoid hypertrophy is generally caused by acute rhinitis, tonsillitis, or acute epidemic influenza, among other factors. These factors can lead to the rapid proliferation and enlargement of the adenoids, which may compress the tissues of the nasal cavity, causing nasal obstruction or sinusitis. In such cases, it depends on the symptoms triggered and how significant the impact is on the patient. If the symptoms are not particularly severe, some non-surgical treatments can be adopted, such as enhancing the body's own disease resistance. Oral medications for clearing heat and detoxifying, and if necessary, traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis can be used to adjust the condition. If the enlargement of the adenoids is significantly alleviated with these medicinal treatments, surgery may not be necessary. However, if the disease is not well-controlled and severely affects breathing or swallowing, surgical treatment may be considered.