Can adenoid hypertrophy cause otitis media?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is adenoid hypertrophy more severe in winter?

Adenoid hypertrophy tends to be more severe in the winter due to the weather changes which can lead to significant adenoid hyperplasia. Adenoid hypertrophy is generally more common in children aged three to eight. It is caused by repeated stimulation from acute inflammation, leading to congestion, edema, and growth of the adenoids. This condition can cause patients to experience persistent bilateral nasal congestion, snoring during sleep, and episodes of breath-holding. Additionally, patients may also experience tinnitus, hearing loss, and other related symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed through an electronic nasopharyngoscope and adenoid CT scans. For treatment, patients can initially opt for conservative treatments such as oral antibiotics. Additionally, localized nebulizer inhalation can be used to reduce congestion and swelling of the adenoids. If conservative treatments are ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary for recovery. (Medication should be taken 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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Minimally invasive surgery for adenoid hypertrophy

Adenoids refer to the glands in the nasopharyngeal area. Enlarged adenoid tissues can block the nasal cavity or the pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube. Clinical symptoms often require surgical removal of the adenoids. The main steps in the surgery include the following: firstly, general anesthesia is administered; secondly, the adenoids are exposed, primarily by suspending the soft palate with a catheter, followed by the insertion of a tonsil opening device; thirdly, the adenoids are gradually ablated and removed using a nasopharyngoscope and a plasma ablation knife head; finally, the surgery is concluded. After the surgery, it is necessary to continue treating the enlarged adenoids with medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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The difference between adenoid hypertrophy and rhinitis.

Adenoid hypertrophy and rhinitis certainly have their differences. The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in the nasopharynx, and its enlargement can block the posterior nasal aperture, leading to nasal congestion. Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, where the mucosa becomes congested and swollen, leading to narrowing and obstruction of the nasal cavity. There are fundamental differences between them. The clinical treatment for rhinitis primarily involves medication, while the treatment for adenoid hypertrophy mainly involves surgical removal. In the early stages of adenoid hypertrophy, some medications can be used, but the effectiveness of medical treatment is often relatively poor and rarely controls the progression of the condition, so surgery is primarily used. Clinically, it is often seen that rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy coexist, which requires doctors to differentiate and determine whether the nasal congestion is caused by adenoid hypertrophy or rhinitis.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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What tests are needed for adenoid hypertrophy?

The adenoids are located at the back end of the nasal cavity in the nasopharyngeal area, so the examination needed for adenoid hypertrophy is generally the electronic nasopharyngoscopy. Electronic nasopharyngoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visual observation of the enlarged adenoids and the blockage of the posterior nasal apertures. Modern electronic nasopharyngoscopes are very thin; they can be inserted through the nostrils directly into the nasopharynx, providing a clear view of the adenoids with minimal discomfort and no radiation exposure, making it the preferred method. Another test that can be performed is a lateral X-ray of the nasopharynx. This examination has been a classic approach and is available in many township and county hospitals. It can accurately display the condition of adenoid hypertrophy and any airway obstruction. However, the only drawback is that it involves some level of radiation exposure.