What medicine is used for adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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The adenoids are normal anatomical structures located in the nasopharynx. In childhood, the glandular tissue of the adenoids becomes enlarged, blocking the normal passages of the nasopharynx and leading to secondary diseases. Clinically, there are no drugs specifically targeting enlarged adenoids. However, other medications, such as mometasone nasal spray and montelukast sodium, may have some effect on adenoid enlargement and can help a minority of patients avoid surgery. Nonetheless, it is advised not to rely on these drugs as the primary treatment method for enlarged adenoids; the main treatment is surgical.

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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What is adenoid hypertrophy in children?

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil or lymphoid tissue, is located at the top of the nasopharynx and the posterior pharyngeal wall. It looks like an orange segment and is most active in growth from ages 2 to 6 in children, gradually atrophying after age 10. Due to repetitive inflammation, the adenoid can undergo pathological hyperplasia, known as adenoid hypertrophy, which can cause clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion and mouth breathing. The main cause of adenoid hypertrophy is inflammation in the nasopharyngeal region or the adenoid itself. Repeated stimulation leads to pathological hyperplasia. Common causes include recurrent acute and chronic nasopharyngitis, various acute infectious diseases in childhood, which exacerbate nasal congestion symptoms, obstruct nasal drainage, and nasal and sinus secretions further stimulate the adenoid, causing it to continue to grow and creating a vicious cycle.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common disease among children, and it also occurs in a small portion of adolescents and adults. Generally, it is necessary to first perform a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the specific extent of hypertrophy. If the hypertrophy is very mild and there are no subjective symptoms, the situation is usually managed with regular check-ups without special treatment. If the hypertrophy is more significant and accompanied by nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, snoring, or a feeling of ear blockage, treatment typically involves the use of oral medications and nasal sprays. Generally, a standard treatment lasts about two weeks, after which the effectiveness should be reassessed. If there is no effectiveness, adenoidectomy, a relatively routine surgery, may need to be considered. However, most patients are very effectively treated with conservative management.

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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.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is good for adenoid hypertrophy?

The adenoids are lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx, and adenoid hypertrophy can be treated with some medications. Adenoid hypertrophy is often related to allergic factors or stimulation from bacterial infections. Therefore, for the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy, some medications can be used for nasal administration, such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, as well as anti-allergy medications like montelukast sodium. Additionally, some traditional Chinese medicines with aromatic properties, such as Bi Yuan Tong Qiao granules, can be used as adjunct therapy. In summary, the pharmaceutical treatment for adenoid hypertrophy is not directly targeted, and the effectiveness of medication is relatively poor, so a comprehensive evaluation of the condition should be considered when contemplating medication treatment.