Conservative treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy should be seen by the ENT department.

The glandular body, located in the nasopharyngeal region, is an organ made up of lymphoepithelial tissue. Enlargement of the glandular body leads to an increase in its size, blocking the passage of the nasopharynx. Based on this explanation, it is understandable that glandular hypertrophy should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist. If a more detailed subdivision of specialization is necessary, it can be divided into rhinology, laryngology, and otology, with the main focus being on rhinology or laryngology depending on the specific regulations of different hospitals. In summary, glandular hypertrophy should be assessed by an otolaryngologist. Additionally, it is important to note that glandular hypertrophy can lead to developmental abnormalities, especially in dental development. If these complications occur, consultation with the relevant departments, such as dentistry, may be necessary.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Which department should I visit for adenoid hypertrophy?

Enlarged adenoids should be examined by an otolaryngologist. Enlarged adenoids are a relatively common condition, usually seen in children, though a small portion of adults may experience it as well. The main symptoms of enlarged adenoids include nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to mouth breathing or a distinctive "adenoid facies". These symptoms are usually more apparent in children around the ages of 5 to 6, and the adenoids generally begin to shrink after the age of 8. However, if the symptoms are pronounced during childhood, timely treatment is necessary. Prolonged lack of treatment or ineffective medication can potentially lead to abnormal development of the facial bones. Therefore, timely medical treatment is crucial, and in severe cases, surgery might be required.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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."

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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 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.