Can adenoid hypertrophy heal itself?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 21, 2025
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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be seen with the naked eye?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common disease in otolaryngology, and it is not visible to the naked eye. The diagnosis of excessive growth and hypertrophy of adenoid tissue is mainly made through electronic nasopharyngoscopy and lateral nasopharyngeal radiograph examinations. Typically, if the adenoid tissue occupies more than 2/3 of the posterior nasal aperture, it can be diagnosed as adenoid hypertrophy. Patients mainly show symptoms such as snoring, breath-holding, and hypoxia during sleep at night, as well as daytime sleepiness and reduced memory. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy require surgical ablation of the hypertrophied adenoid tissue to improve their sleep conditions at night and achieve cure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy cause dizziness?

The adenoid is a normal tissue located in the nasopharyngeal area of the human body. Enlargement of the adenoid can block the nasopharyngeal passage, leading to various symptoms and causing dizziness. The primary reason is that adenoid enlargement can lead to snoring and mouth breathing, which affects the supply of oxygen, resulting in dizziness. Additionally, adenoid enlargement may lead to secondary sinusitis, which can also cause symptoms of dizziness and even headaches. Therefore, overall, the enlargement of the adenoid or its associated symptoms can lead to dizziness.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken for adenoid hypertrophy?

Most glandular hypertrophy does not require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, as it is a common condition or physiological manifestation in children. Glandular hypertrophy is the proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharyngeal area, causing partial obstruction of the posterior nasal aperture. Initially, clinical symptoms should be assessed. If there is only simple hypertrophy without any discomfort, it can be observed without treatment. However, if glandular hypertrophy is accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing, the use of oral medications and nasal sprays should be considered, but generally, anti-inflammatory drugs are not needed. If there is an acute inflammatory response in the glands, the use of antibiotics along with regular follow-ups and nasal cavity cleaning should be considered. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should only be taken under the guidance of a professional medical doctor, and blind medication should be avoided.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Is nasal discharge a sign of improvement in adenoid hypertrophy?

Enlargement of the adenoids accompanied by a runny nose is not a sign of improvement but a symptom of worsening. Enlargement of the adenoids is primarily due to symptoms caused by acute viral or bacterial infections following a decrease in the body’s immunity and resistance. This can lead to diffuse congestion and edema of the glands, causing the patient to experience persistent nasal congestion and discharge of yellow nasal mucus. In severe cases, it can cause nocturnal suffocation. Initially, a detailed examination at the hospital is necessary. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an electronic nasopharyngoscope and a nasopharyngeal CT. During the examination, granular masses can be found on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx; these are soft in texture and not painful. In terms of treatment, during the acute phase of adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is required, including the use of antibiotics and concurrent nebulizer inhalation to reduce congestion and edema of the adenoids. If the enlargement persists and conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy recur after removal?

The adenoid is located in the lymphatic epithelial tissue of the nasopharyngeal area. Enlargement of the adenoid can block breathing and obstruct the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to secretory otitis media, and may result in secondary infections of the sinuses. Therefore, for symptoms such as snoring and hearing loss that occur simultaneously after adenoid enlargement, surgical removal is performed. The adenoid does not have a complete capsule, so it is only possible to remove the adenoid tissue as much as possible, and it cannot guarantee the complete removal of all adenoid tissue. Therefore, there is a small rate of recurrence after adenoid removal, with a recurrence rate of about 0.5%, meaning that the recurrence leading to the reappearance of symptoms is around 0.5%. Whether further treatment is needed after recurrence requires an in-person assessment at a hospital.