Can adenoid hypertrophy be treated conservatively?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 16, 2025
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Adenoid hypertrophy is a common condition in children, primarily caused by excessive growth of the adenoid tissue on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. This can lead to sleep apnea, snoring, and nocturnal hypoxia in patients, subsequently causing a decline in memory, lack of concentration, fatigue, and other symptoms. In mild cases of adenoid hypertrophy, where there are no significant symptoms of breath-holding or hypoxia, conservative treatment can be applied. This includes the use of steroid nasal sprays and oral administration of nasal decongestant granules, which can alleviate snoring and excessive nasal secretions. However, if a patient exhibits clear symptoms of breath-holding or hypoxia, and adenoid hypertrophy is confirmed through sleep monitoring, surgery is then necessary to treat the condition.

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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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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 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 Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Reasons for adenoid hypertrophy in children

There are many causes of adenoid hypertrophy in children, most of which are due to infections. For instance, infections like pharyngitis or sinusitis can trigger adenoid hypertrophy. If a child experiences adenoid hypertrophy, it is recommended to visit the otolaryngology department of the hospital for a checkup. After a detailed examination to determine the specific cause, treatment can be tailored based on the child's individual condition. It is important to avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods when dealing with adenoid hypertrophy. It's advised that children consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and engage in more outdoor activities.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can people with adenoid hypertrophy eat fish?

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil, is present in everyone's body. In childhood, due to the active proliferation of lymphatic tissue, it can lead to excessive enlargement of the adenoid, causing symptoms such as blockage of the posterior nasal apertures, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinusitis. When adenoid enlargement occurs, treatment is generally surgical, involving the removal of the enlarged adenoid tissue. Patients with enlarged adenoids should avoid spicy, stimulating foods and cold drinks to prevent nasal inflammation and further growth of the adenoid tissue. Consumption of fish and shrimp is permissible, but if the patient has significant allergies or other symptoms, their consumption should be reduced.