Can adenoid hypertrophy heal itself?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

Can you eat fish with enlarged adenoids?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy can eat fish, as fish is a common type of meat and does not have side effects on the condition of adenoid hypertrophy, nor does it affect the treatment outcome of adenoid hypertrophy. There is also no direct conflict with the medications used to treat adenoid hypertrophy. For patients with significant adenoid enlargement accompanied by related clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring during sleep, timely treatment is necessary. Most patients can opt for treatment with oral medications combined with nasal spray medications. If conservative medical treatment is ineffective and the condition is severe, surgical removal might be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for adenoid hypertrophy?

Glandular hypertrophy is a common condition in the field of otolaryngology, so for glandular hypertrophy, one should consult the otolaryngology department. The glands are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharyngeal area. Thus, when the glands are enlarged, it can cause various related symptoms in the ears, nose, and throat. The most common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring, mouth breathing, adenoid facies, secretory otitis media, and even suppurative otitis media. Therefore, in such cases, it is essential to visit the otolaryngology department of a hospital, undergo a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the extent of glandular hypertrophy, and decide on the appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Does adenoid hypertrophy cause a runny nose?

Adenoid hypertrophy can cause a runny nose, which is a very common symptom of adenoid hypertrophy. Since the adenoids are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharynx, the mucus secreted by the nasal cavity normally flows backward, precisely to the back of the nasal cavity, passing over the adenoids. When the adenoids are enlarged, they block the drainage pathway of the mucus, causing most of it to flow out from the front of the nasal cavity. Therefore, adenoid hypertrophy can lead to a runny nose, which is one of its symptoms, and can also cause related symptoms of rhinitis such as nasal congestion. After nasal congestion, it may lead to various other manifestations, including snoring.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

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.