Is adenoid hypertrophy more severe in winter?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 26, 2024
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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.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be felt by touch?

Adenoid hypertrophy is palpable, as the adenoids are a cluster of lymphoid tissue located at the top of the nasopharynx. If there is localized hypertrophy, it can be directly felt through the mouth. Adenoid hypertrophy most commonly occurs in children, especially those between the ages of three and six, and often follows acute colds, rhinitis, and adenoid hypertrophy, eventually leading to persistent bilateral nasal obstruction. Additionally, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as snoring during sleep, decreased hearing, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness. In severe cases, it may lead to a facial appearance characteristic of adenoid hypertrophy. It is necessary to first visit a hospital for a thorough examination, which can include an electronic nasopharyngoscopy, nasopharyngeal CT, and nasopharyngeal palpation to confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, acute adenoid hypertrophy requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary for cure.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to treat adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy mainly occurs in infants and children. It is a congenital disease, meaning that most children are born with varying degrees of adenoid hypertrophy. However, in many children, the adenoids begin to shrink after six months and generally do not cause symptoms. If the adenoids are enlarged, it can lead to the child breathing through their mouth, snoring, and gasping, which may cause facial changes, brain hypoxia, and delayed brain development. In such cases, adenoidectomy might be considered, generally performed under general anesthesia. However, some children with adenoid hypertrophy also have enlarged tonsils, so both surgeries are often performed together. Otherwise, if only the adenoid hypertrophy is treated without addressing enlarged tonsils, problems such as mouth breathing and snoring may not improve.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can people with adenoid hypertrophy eat fish?

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil, is present in everyone's body. In childhood, due to the active proliferation of lymphatic tissue, it can lead to excessive enlargement of the adenoid, causing symptoms such as blockage of the posterior nasal apertures, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinusitis. When adenoid enlargement occurs, treatment is generally surgical, involving the removal of the enlarged adenoid tissue. Patients with enlarged adenoids should avoid spicy, stimulating foods and cold drinks to prevent nasal inflammation and further growth of the adenoid tissue. Consumption of fish and shrimp is permissible, but if the patient has significant allergies or other symptoms, their consumption should be reduced.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common disease in otolaryngology, and it is not visible to the naked eye. The diagnosis of excessive growth and hypertrophy of adenoid tissue is mainly made through electronic nasopharyngoscopy and lateral nasopharyngeal radiograph examinations. Typically, if the adenoid tissue occupies more than 2/3 of the posterior nasal aperture, it can be diagnosed as adenoid hypertrophy. Patients mainly show symptoms such as snoring, breath-holding, and hypoxia during sleep at night, as well as daytime sleepiness and reduced memory. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy require surgical ablation of the hypertrophied adenoid tissue to improve their sleep conditions at night and achieve cure.