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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Will adenoid hypertrophy recur after surgery?

The adenoid is a normal lymphoid organ in the nasopharyngeal area of the human body. Enlargement of the adenoids can block the nasal cavity, leading to otitis media, snoring during sleep, and other symptoms. The main treatment for enlarged adenoids is surgery. Since the adenoids do not have a complete capsule, there is a certain chance of recurrence after surgery. There are two scenarios for recurrence: one is a mild, localized proliferation that does not cause symptoms such as snoring or otitis media again; the other is a severe enlargement of the adenoids, leading to the reoccurrence of spontaneous conditions like snoring and otitis media. This latter situation accounts for about 0.5% of cases. Therefore, while there is a certain rate of recurrence after adenoidectomy, the rate of recurrence is relatively low.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Postoperative care for adenoid hypertrophy removal surgery

Adenoid hypertrophy is currently treated primarily via surgical removal using a plasma scalpel to ablate the hypertrophied adenoid tissue, effectively treating the condition. The advantages of using a plasma scalpel include minimal bleeding during and after the surgery, less pain, smaller wounds, and faster healing and recovery, achieving significant therapeutic results. Post-surgery, it is advised that patients avoid hot baths and foot baths for two to three weeks, refraining from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive exercise, which could lead to bleeding. Diet-wise, it is recommended to avoid overly hot foods to prevent delayed postoperative bleeding of the adenoids.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy recur after removal?

The adenoid is located in the lymphatic epithelial tissue of the nasopharyngeal area. Enlargement of the adenoid can block breathing and obstruct the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to secretory otitis media, and may result in secondary infections of the sinuses. Therefore, for symptoms such as snoring and hearing loss that occur simultaneously after adenoid enlargement, surgical removal is performed. The adenoid does not have a complete capsule, so it is only possible to remove the adenoid tissue as much as possible, and it cannot guarantee the complete removal of all adenoid tissue. Therefore, there is a small rate of recurrence after adenoid removal, with a recurrence rate of about 0.5%, meaning that the recurrence leading to the reappearance of symptoms is around 0.5%. Whether further treatment is needed after recurrence requires an in-person assessment at a hospital.

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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.