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 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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy can undergo nebulization treatment.

Adenoid hypertrophy can be treated with nebulized inhalation, which is very effective. The adenoid is a lymphatic tissue in the nasopharyngeal area that generally becomes enlarged in children. Its enlargement is mostly caused by inflammatory stimulation, commonly seen in acute rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. It can cause persistent nasal congestion, snoring at night, and can also lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear stuffiness. During an examination with an electronic nasopharyngoscope, enlarged and congested adenoids blocking the nasal passages can be observed. In terms of treatment, patients can initially opt for conservative treatments, where nebulized inhalation has proven to be very effective. It can reduce congestion and edema of the adenoids to relieve symptoms. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective, patients may need to undergo adenoidectomy. This surgery requires hospitalization, and patients can generally recover and be discharged within a week.

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Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
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How to treat children's adenoid hypertrophy?

If children experience hypertrophy of the adenoids and the symptoms are not very severe, it is not recommended to perform surgery immediately. Instead, conservative treatments can be adopted, such as using nasal sprays. With conservative treatment over a period of time, the enlargement of the adenoids in children may improve. However, if conservative treatment persists for about three to six months without effect, and the child exhibits symptoms such as snoring during sleep, nasal congestion, or the presence of yellow nasal discharge, it is advisable to take the child to a reputable hospital for an examination. If the diagnosis confirms that surgery is indeed indicated, surgical removal of the adenoids can be considered as a treatment option.

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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 cause a fever?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common condition in children and is an overgrowth of normally occurring tissue. It does not cause fever on its own. However, diseases secondary to adenoid hypertrophy, such as sinusitis and otitis media, might lead to fever. During the acute infection phase of hypertrophied adenoids, referred to as acute adenoiditis, fever can occur. Therefore, clinically, it is essential to distinguish between different stages and conditions of adenoid hypertrophy to manage it correctly. Simply put, adenoid hypertrophy does not cause fever by itself.