Does adenoid hypertrophy have a strange smell?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common ENT disease, mostly seen in infants and young children aged 5 to 7 years. Before surgery for adenoid hypertrophy, the blockage of the posterior nasal aperture can cause edema, inflammation, and purulent secretions in the sinus and nasal mucosa, leading to an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy usually need to undergo adenoidectomy using a plasma knife. After the surgery, local burns can cause necrosis of the mucosa, resulting in bad odors in both the nasal and oral cavities. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, the main approach is to maintain oral hygiene, which can help reduce the unpleasant nasal odors.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
57sec home-news-image

Adenoid hypertrophy conservative treatment

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min 9sec home-news-image

The difference between adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy.

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
59sec home-news-image

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."

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
44sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
1min 6sec home-news-image

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.