Does adenoid hypertrophy require nasal irrigation?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 10, 2025
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Conservative treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy

Adenoid hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of glandular tissue located in the nasopharynx, which blocks the nasal cavity or obstructs the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to otitis media. Patients may experience symptoms such as snoring during sleep. Conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy mainly refers to medication therapy for enlarged glands. Medications such as mometasone furoate and montelukast sodium can be used, as well as inhalation therapy with medicated mists. Inhalation therapy primarily involves nasal cavity inhalation, such as using sprays. Overall, the efficacy of conservative treatment for adenoid hypertrophy is relatively poor. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the condition comprehensively and consider timely surgical treatment if necessary.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you get vaccinated if you have enlarged adenoids?

Adenoid hypertrophy needs to be distinguished first between acute and chronic hypertrophy. If it is acute adenoid hypertrophy, vaccination should not be administered. Acute adenoid hypertrophy is most often caused by an acute inflammatory infection, usually secondary to acute rhinitis or sinusitis. When the inflammation affects the adenoids, it leads to congestion, edema, enlargement, and hyperplasia, resulting in clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, ear stuffiness, and ear pain. The treatment primarily involves symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and edema, which can lead to gradual improvement. Vaccination can be administered once the inflammation has subsided. However, if it is chronic hypertrophy, patients can be vaccinated. Chronic hypertrophy is mostly due to continuous slow enlargement and hyperplasia of the adenoids caused by chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to symptoms like snoring during sleep and mouth breathing. In such cases, adenoidectomy can be curative.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy in children?

Children with adenoid hypertrophy mainly have the following symptoms: The first is that children are prone to nasal congestion, and they may snore and breathe through their mouths while sleeping at night. The second is that their facial appearance might change. The third is that children may experience a decrease in memory and lack of concentration. It is recommended to visit the otolaryngology department for diagnosis. If diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy in children, treatment should be targeted, based on the specific condition and severity of the child.

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy cause a runny nose?

Adenoid hypertrophy can cause a runny nose, which is a very common symptom of adenoid hypertrophy. Since the adenoids are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharynx, the mucus secreted by the nasal cavity normally flows backward, precisely to the back of the nasal cavity, passing over the adenoids. When the adenoids are enlarged, they block the drainage pathway of the mucus, causing most of it to flow out from the front of the nasal cavity. Therefore, adenoid hypertrophy can lead to a runny nose, which is one of its symptoms, and can also cause related symptoms of rhinitis such as nasal congestion. After nasal congestion, it may lead to various other manifestations, including snoring.