Can adenoid hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

Adenoid hypertrophy is not visible to the naked eye because the adenoids are located on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. It can only be detected through an electronic nasopharyngoscope or a CT scan of the nasopharynx to determine if there is adenoid hypertrophy. Adenoid hypertrophy is most likely to occur during childhood, typically due to long-term inflammatory infections. It often follows acute rhinitis or acute sinusitis. After adenoid hypertrophy, it can lead to bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens, along with snoring during sleep, tinnitus, a feeling of ear congestion, and a decrease in hearing. In severe cases, it can lead to a characteristic facial appearance known as "adenoid facies." It is necessary to have a detailed examination at a hospital for adenoid hypertrophy. An electronic nasopharyngoscope and adenoid CT can confirm the diagnosis. For treatment, during the acute phase of adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary, along with the use of nebulized inhalation to reduce congestion and swelling of the adenoids. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the adenoid hypertrophy continues to worsen, adenoidectomy may be required to completely cure the condition.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 2sec home-news-image

What is adenoid hypertrophy in children?

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil or lymphoid tissue, is located at the top of the nasopharynx and the posterior pharyngeal wall. It looks like an orange segment and is most active in growth from ages 2 to 6 in children, gradually atrophying after age 10. Due to repetitive inflammation, the adenoid can undergo pathological hyperplasia, known as adenoid hypertrophy, which can cause clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and mouth breathing. The main cause of adenoid hypertrophy is inflammation in the nasopharyngeal region or the adenoid itself. Repeated stimulation leads to pathological hyperplasia. Common causes include recurrent acute and chronic nasopharyngitis, various acute infectious diseases in childhood, which exacerbate nasal congestion symptoms, obstruct nasal drainage, and nasal and sinus secretions further stimulate the adenoid, causing it to continue to grow and creating a vicious cycle.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
1min home-news-image

What tests are needed for adenoid hypertrophy?

The adenoids are located at the back end of the nasal cavity in the nasopharyngeal area, so the examination needed for adenoid hypertrophy is generally the electronic nasopharyngoscopy. Electronic nasopharyngoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visual observation of the enlarged adenoids and the blockage of the posterior nasal apertures. Modern electronic nasopharyngoscopes are very thin; they can be inserted through the nostrils directly into the nasopharynx, providing a clear view of the adenoids with minimal discomfort and no radiation exposure, making it the preferred method. Another test that can be performed is a lateral X-ray of the nasopharynx. This examination has been a classic approach and is available in many township and county hospitals. It can accurately display the condition of adenoid hypertrophy and any airway obstruction. However, the only drawback is that it involves some level of radiation exposure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
52sec home-news-image

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.

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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
38sec home-news-image

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.