What is adenoid hypertrophy in children?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 04, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

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.

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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

What should be done about children's adenoid hypertrophy?

In the case of adenoid hypertrophy in children, the first step is to assess the severity of the enlargement. If the adenoids are enlarged to the third degree, affecting breathing, especially with noticeable snoring after falling asleep at night, or symptoms such as frequent waking due to choking and hypoxia, surgery is generally recommended. This involves going to an otolaryngology department to surgically remove the enlarged adenoids. If the enlargement is only at the first degree or between the first and second degrees, and not very severe, local anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing medications can be used for treatment.

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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

Can adenoid hypertrophy cause otitis media?

Adenoid hypertrophy is commonly seen in children. The adenoids are located at the back of the nasal cavity, more precisely, at the nasopharyngeal region of the posterior nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is connected to the ears via the Eustachian tube, whose internal opening is situated in the nasopharynx. If the adenoids are enlarged, they can block the internal opening of the Eustachian tube. Therefore, adenoid hypertrophy can cause secretory otitis media. The common symptoms of secretory otitis media in children include a decrease in hearing, turning up the volume of the TV intentionally, and a sluggish response when called. This explains the mechanism and clinical presentation of how adenoid hypertrophy can lead to otitis media.