Adenoid hypertrophy is caused by what?

Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

Updated on March 04, 2025

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Adenoid hypertrophy can be divided into physiological and pathological hypertrophy. Physiological hypertrophy is a normal part of everyone's development. It begins at the age of three, peaks at about seven, and gradually shrinks around the age of ten. Pathological hypertrophy, on the other hand, often occurs on the basis of physiological hypertrophy, followed by inflammatory stimuli. Factors such as viral infections, colds, and allergic reactions are the main causes of pathological adenoid hypertrophy. This type of hypertrophy can lead to poor respiratory function, symptoms such as snoring during sleep, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. If the enlarged adenoids block the Eustachian tube, it can also lead to secretory otitis media.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 19sec

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Is nasal discharge a sign of improvement in adenoid hypertrophy?

Enlargement of the adenoids accompanied by a runny nose is not a sign of improvement but a symptom of worsening. Enlargement of the adenoids is primarily due to symptoms caused by acute viral or bacterial infections following a decrease in the body’s immunity and resistance. This can lead to diffuse congestion and edema of the glands, causing the patient to experience persistent nasal congestion and discharge of yellow nasal mucus. In severe cases, it can cause nocturnal suffocation. Initially, a detailed examination at the hospital is necessary. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an electronic nasopharyngoscope and a nasopharyngeal CT. During the examination, granular masses can be found on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx; these are soft in texture and not painful. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase of adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is required, including the use of antibiotics and concurrent nebulizer inhalation to reduce congestion and edema of the adenoids. If the enlargement persists and conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

52sec

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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 Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min

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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 Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

59sec

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Is adenoid hypertrophy related to rhinitis?

The adenoids are located at the rear end of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharynx. When the adenoids become enlarged, they can affect the ventilation and drainage functions of the nasal cavity. Therefore, enlarged adenoids can cause rhinitis, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and snoring during sleep; these impact the nasal ventilation, which are the most common symptoms. The rationale is that when the adenoids are enlarged, the nasal mucus cannot be normally drained through the nasal cavity's drainage function. As a result, children may exhibit symptoms of excessive nasal discharge and nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Additionally, the rhinitis caused by the enlarged adenoids leads to nasal congestion, which then manifests as the child snoring and breathing through the mouth during sleep. Over time, this can lead to a condition known as "adenoid facies."

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

1min 6sec

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Do adenoids cause coughing?

Children with adenoid hypertrophy may exhibit symptoms of coughing. The reason for the aforementioned symptoms primarily stems from excessive growth and enlargement of adenoid tissues, resulting in obstruction of the posterior nasal aperture. This causes chronic sinusitis in children and postnasal drip, leading to reflex cough. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, it is crucial to first conduct thorough examinations such as paranasal sinus CT and electronic nasopharyngoscopy to definitively diagnose the patient's condition, enabling early detection and timely surgical treatment. This involves removing the enlarged adenoid tissues to restore normal nasal ventilation and overall physical condition. Additionally, relevant examinations should be promptly completed before and during surgery to rule out surgical contraindications. After surgery, it is advisable to avoid hot baths, foot baths, and strenuous exercise to prevent postoperative bleeding from the surgical site.