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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy is caused by what?

Adenoid hypertrophy can be divided into physiological and pathological hypertrophy. Physiological hypertrophy is a normal part of everyone's development. It begins at the age of three, peaks at about seven, and gradually shrinks around the age of ten. Pathological hypertrophy, on the other hand, often occurs on the basis of physiological hypertrophy, followed by inflammatory stimuli. Factors such as viral infections, colds, and allergic reactions are the main causes of pathological adenoid hypertrophy. This type of hypertrophy can lead to poor respiratory function, symptoms such as snoring during sleep, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. If the enlarged adenoids block the Eustachian tube, it can also lead to secretory otitis media.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat fish with enlarged adenoids?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy can eat fish, as fish is a common type of meat and does not have side effects on the condition of adenoid hypertrophy, nor does it affect the treatment outcome of adenoid hypertrophy. There is also no direct conflict with the medications used to treat adenoid hypertrophy. For patients with significant adenoid enlargement accompanied by related clinical symptoms, such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring during sleep, timely treatment is necessary. Most patients can opt for treatment with oral medications combined with nasal spray medications. If conservative medical treatment is ineffective and the condition is severe, surgical removal might be considered.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy heal itself?

The adenoids are normal lymphoepithelial tissue located in our nasopharynx. In young children, especially around the ages of 5-6, the adenoids become enlarged or hyperplastic. This can then easily lead to the obstruction of surrounding structures causing issues such as snoring, sinusitis, and otitis media. Generally, adenoid hypertrophy is self-resolving because, after the age of around ten, the adenoids gradually atrophy. However, there are a minority of patients in whom the adenoids do not atrophy. Although the adenoids of the vast majority of patients will atrophy around the age of ten, it is important to recognize that from hypertrophy to atrophy, there is a long duration during which if deformities or conditions that affect body development occur, they cannot be reversed to normal. Therefore, it is essential to treat and intervene timely in patients with adenoid hypertrophy.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to perform pediatric massage for adenoid hypertrophy

Children's adenoid hypertrophy does not respond to massage therapy. It is typically caused by an acute inflammatory response, leading to sudden congestion, edema, proliferation, and exudation of the glands. Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, and snoring during sleep; severe cases can also lead to a decrease in hearing, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. In treating acute adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is required first. This includes oral or intravenous antibiotics, which are usually effective due to bacterial infections, with penicillin antibiotics often having good outcomes. Local treatments such as nebulization can also help to reduce gland congestion and swelling. A light diet, drinking more water, and resting can generally lead to improvement. However, if the condition recurs frequently, local surgical treatment may be necessary. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)