Which department should I visit for adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 16, 2024
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Enlarged adenoids should be examined by an otolaryngologist. Enlarged adenoids are a relatively common condition, usually seen in children, though a small portion of adults may experience it as well. The main symptoms of enlarged adenoids include nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to mouth breathing or a distinctive "adenoid facies". These symptoms are usually more apparent in children around the ages of 5 to 6, and the adenoids generally begin to shrink after the age of 8. However, if the symptoms are pronounced during childhood, timely treatment is necessary. Prolonged lack of treatment or ineffective medication can potentially lead to abnormal development of the facial bones. Therefore, timely medical treatment is crucial, and in severe cases, surgery might be required.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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The difference between adenoid hypertrophy and rhinitis.

Adenoid hypertrophy and rhinitis certainly have their differences. The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in the nasopharynx, and its enlargement can block the posterior nasal aperture, leading to nasal congestion. Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, where the mucosa becomes congested and swollen, leading to narrowing and obstruction of the nasal cavity. There are fundamental differences between them. The clinical treatment for rhinitis primarily involves medication, while the treatment for adenoid hypertrophy mainly involves surgical removal. In the early stages of adenoid hypertrophy, some medications can be used, but the effectiveness of medical treatment is often relatively poor and rarely controls the progression of the condition, so surgery is primarily used. Clinically, it is often seen that rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy coexist, which requires doctors to differentiate and determine whether the nasal congestion is caused by adenoid hypertrophy or rhinitis.

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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink milk with enlarged adenoids?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy can consume milk. The adenoids, also known as the pharyngeal tonsils, are a common ENT disorder, occurring mostly in children. The adenoid tissues become hyperplastic and active, blocking the posterior nasal passages and causing symptoms such as snoring during nighttime sleep, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinusitis. When adenoid hypertrophy occurs, surgery is primarily used for treatment. In terms of diet, patients can consume milk and eggs, but should avoid cold and spicy foods to prevent exacerbating the swelling and congestion of the adenoids.

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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.