Does adenoid hypertrophy require surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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The adenoids are tissue organs located in our nasopharynx. Whether we need surgery after adenoid hypertrophy depends on two circumstances. The first is the degree of hypertrophy; if the adenoids are significantly enlarged, we might consider surgery. However, merely having enlarged adenoids is not enough; we need to see if the hypertrophy blocks the nasal cavity, obstructs our Eustachian tube, leads to adenoid facies, etc. If there are symptoms and secondary diseases, such hypertrophied adenoids, also known as adenoid hypertrophy, will necessitate surgery. If the adenoid hypertrophy is mild and presents no symptoms, we can temporarily observe without needing surgical intervention.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What foods are good to eat for enlarged adenoids?

For adenoid hypertrophy, it is advisable to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits in daily life, such as apples, oranges, grapefruits, and tomatoes. Try to avoid spicy and irritating foods as they can cause the adenoids to become congested and swollen, worsening the condition. Clinically, adenoid hypertrophy is generally caused by repeated inflammatory stimuli and the irritation from spicy foods, leading to diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the adenoids. This condition can cause the patient to experience persistent nasal congestion in both nostrils, accompanied by snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss, necessitating a hospital examination where a digital nasopharyngoscope can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, acute adenoid hypertrophy requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment combined with a light diet. If the patient has been suffering for a long time and conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary to completely cure the condition.

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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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What department should I go to for adenoid hypertrophy?

Glandular hypertrophy is a common condition in the field of otolaryngology, so for glandular hypertrophy, one should consult the otolaryngology department. The glands are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharyngeal area. Thus, when the glands are enlarged, it can cause various related symptoms in the ears, nose, and throat. The most common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring, mouth breathing, adenoid facies, secretory otitis media, and even suppurative otitis media. Therefore, in such cases, it is essential to visit the otolaryngology department of a hospital, undergo a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the extent of glandular hypertrophy, and decide on the appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
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Does adenoid hypertrophy have a strange smell?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common ENT disease, mostly seen in infants and young children aged 5 to 7 years. Before surgery for adenoid hypertrophy, the blockage of the posterior nasal aperture can cause edema, inflammation, and purulent secretions in the sinus and nasal mucosa, leading to an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy usually need to undergo adenoidectomy using a plasma knife. After the surgery, local burns can cause necrosis of the mucosa, resulting in bad odors in both the nasal and oral cavities. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, the main approach is to maintain oral hygiene, which can help reduce the unpleasant nasal odors.