What tests are needed for adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Do adenoids cause coughing?

Children with adenoid hypertrophy may exhibit symptoms of coughing. The reason for the aforementioned symptoms primarily stems from excessive growth and enlargement of adenoid tissues, resulting in obstruction of the posterior nasal aperture. This causes chronic sinusitis in children and postnasal drip, leading to reflex cough. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, it is crucial to first conduct thorough examinations such as paranasal sinus CT and electronic nasopharyngoscopy to definitively diagnose the patient's condition, enabling early detection and timely surgical treatment. This involves removing the enlarged adenoid tissues to restore normal nasal ventilation and overall physical condition. Additionally, relevant examinations should be promptly completed before and during surgery to rule out surgical contraindications. After surgery, it is advisable to avoid hot baths, foot baths, and strenuous exercise to prevent postoperative bleeding from the surgical site.

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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat bird's nest with adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is permissible for consumption of bird's nest, which is considered a health supplement that can enhance the body's immunity and resistance, offering significant assistance in the recovery from adenoid hypertrophy. Generally, adenoid hypertrophy is caused by repeated inflammatory stimulation following decreased immunity and resistance. Adenoid hypertrophy most commonly occurs in children aged three to eight. The adenoid is a lymphoid mass located on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, and long-term inflammatory irritation can lead to congestion, swelling, and hyperplasia of the adenoids, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, snoring during sleep, decreased hearing, and tinnitus. It's advisable to visit a hospital for a check-up with an electronic laryngoscope or nasopharyngoscope to confirm a diagnosis. During the acute phase of treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is required, followed by a bland diet and consumption of health supplements to enhance immunity and resistance when symptoms alleviate. If adenoid hypertrophy persists for a long time and conservative treatment is ineffective, local surgical removal may be necessary.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How should adenoid hypertrophy be treated?

The main factors to consider are the extent of the enlargement and the associated clinical manifestations. If the enlargement is mild and does not cause significant nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, or waking up due to breath-holding, conservative treatment can be used. The common medications for conservative treatment include nasal sprays and nasal steroids. If the adenoid enlargement affects breathing function, leading to poor sleep, snoring, breath-holding, or even waking up due to breath-holding, aggressive surgical treatment is required. Surgical treatment involves removing the enlarged adenoids to ensure a clear nasopharynx and bilateral posterior nasal openings, thereby ensuring proper breathing function and alleviating related secondary diseases.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can you get vaccinated if you have enlarged adenoids?

Adenoid hypertrophy needs to be distinguished first between acute and chronic hypertrophy. If it is acute adenoid hypertrophy, vaccination should not be administered. Acute adenoid hypertrophy is most often caused by an acute inflammatory infection, usually secondary to acute rhinitis or sinusitis. When the inflammation affects the adenoids, it leads to congestion, edema, enlargement, and hyperplasia, resulting in clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, ear stuffiness, and ear pain. The treatment primarily involves symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and edema, which can lead to gradual improvement. Vaccination can be administered once the inflammation has subsided. However, if it is chronic hypertrophy, patients can be vaccinated. Chronic hypertrophy is mostly due to continuous slow enlargement and hyperplasia of the adenoids caused by chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to symptoms like snoring during sleep and mouth breathing. In such cases, adenoidectomy can be curative.