Adenoid hypertrophy conservative treatment

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 08, 2024
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Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common disease, mainly seen in children, with only a small portion of adults possibly experiencing adenoid hypertrophy.

In terms of treatment, the first consideration is conservative medical treatment, which currently commonly involves oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution and adopting a side-sleeping position during sleep can be considered. Most patients see a significant improvement in symptoms after standardized medication treatment, and with increasing age, many adenoids may gradually atrophy.

However, there is a small group of patients for whom medication does not work well and symptoms are more apparent; in these cases, adenoidectomy might be considered. After the surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the relief of symptoms and to check for any recurrence.

(The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

What should I do about adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common disease among children, and it also occurs in a small portion of adolescents and adults. Generally, it is necessary to first perform a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the specific extent of hypertrophy. If the hypertrophy is very mild and there are no subjective symptoms, the situation is usually managed with regular check-ups without special treatment. If the hypertrophy is more significant and accompanied by nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, snoring, or a feeling of ear blockage, treatment typically involves the use of oral medications and nasal sprays. Generally, a standard treatment lasts about two weeks, after which the effectiveness should be reassessed. If there is no effectiveness, adenoidectomy, a relatively routine surgery, may need to be considered. However, most patients are very effectively treated with conservative management.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be prevented by vaccination?

Enlarged glands can lead to sleep apnea, snoring, decreased hearing, and secondary sinus infections. If the enlargement is simple without these symptoms, it does not affect vaccination. However, if the enlargement leads to acute sinus infection, manifested by chills, fever, a large amount of thick nasal discharge, or pus-like discharge, these are symptoms of an acute infection, and vaccination should not be administered. Appropriate treatment should be given first, and after the condition is controlled, vaccination can then proceed. Simple adenoid hypertrophy does not impact vaccination.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Will adenoid hypertrophy recur after surgery?

The adenoid is a normal lymphoid organ in the nasopharyngeal area of the human body. Enlargement of the adenoids can block the nasal cavity, leading to otitis media, snoring during sleep, and other symptoms. The main treatment for enlarged adenoids is surgery. Since the adenoids do not have a complete capsule, there is a certain chance of recurrence after surgery. There are two scenarios for recurrence: one is a mild, localized proliferation that does not cause symptoms such as snoring or otitis media again; the other is a severe enlargement of the adenoids, leading to the reoccurrence of spontaneous conditions like snoring and otitis media. This latter situation accounts for about 0.5% of cases. Therefore, while there is a certain rate of recurrence after adenoidectomy, the rate of recurrence is relatively low.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy require nasal irrigation?

Enlarged adenoids require nasal cleansing, which can be done using saline solution for nasal irrigation. During irrigation, the inflammatory secretions on the surfaces of the nasal cavity and the pharyngeal adenoids can be washed off, thereby alleviating the symptoms of enlarged adenoids. This can relieve the patient's nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. This is a conservative treatment method for enlarged adenoids. Additionally, during the acute phase of enlarged adenoids, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is also necessary, using antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins, which are effective. Administration of budesonide via nebulization can also be combined to reduce congestion and edema of the mucous membrane on the surface of the adenoids, relieving symptoms. If the adenoids remain enlarged for an extended period, and conservative treatments are ineffective, and if the patient has severe snoring symptoms, then adenoidectomy might be necessary to completely cure the condition. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is adenoid hypertrophy more severe in winter?

Adenoid hypertrophy tends to be more severe in the winter due to the weather changes which can lead to significant adenoid hyperplasia. Adenoid hypertrophy is generally more common in children aged three to eight. It is caused by repeated stimulation from acute inflammation, leading to congestion, edema, and growth of the adenoids. This condition can cause patients to experience persistent bilateral nasal congestion, snoring during sleep, and episodes of breath-holding. Additionally, patients may also experience tinnitus, hearing loss, and other related symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed through an electronic nasopharyngoscope and adenoid CT scans. For treatment, patients can initially opt for conservative treatments such as oral antibiotics. Additionally, localized nebulizer inhalation can be used to reduce congestion and swelling of the adenoids. If conservative treatments are ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary for recovery. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)