Treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 31, 2024
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Adenoid hypertrophy refers to the hyperplasia and enlargement of the adenoid tissue in the nasopharynx, blocking the local upper airway passages, leading to conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and snoring during sleep. Clinically, there are two treatment methods: conservative medication and surgery. Currently, there are no specific drugs aimed at adenoid hypertrophy. Typically, treatments involve the use of nasal corticosteroids such as mometasone furoate nasal spray and anti-allergic medications like montelukast. However, the effectiveness of the treatment may vary from person to person or be unpredictable. Generally, medication is first tried for one to three months, or depending on the severity of the adenoid hypertrophy, treatment can last about two weeks to four weeks. If the medication is not effective, or shows no results, surgical intervention to remove the enlarged adenoids and facilitate airway clearance is necessary. (Please use medication under the guidance of a clinical doctor and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min home-news-image

Does adenoid hypertrophy affect development and height?

Adenoid hypertrophy affects development and height. In this case, due to prolonged enlargement of the adenoids, the patient will experience persistent nasal congestion, along with snoring during sleep. Prolonged hypoxia will lead to developmental delays, short stature, and adenoid facies among other symptoms. Adenoid hypertrophy is mainly caused by the symptoms arising from repeated inflammatory infections, most commonly occurring in children aged three to eight. It can lead to nasal congestion, snoring, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of blocked ears. In severe cases, it can cause abnormal development of adenoid facies, as well as short stature. It is necessary to visit a hospital for a detailed examination, where an electronic nasopharyngoscope can confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, prolonged adenoid hypertrophy may require adenoidectomy to completely cure the condition.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be treated conservatively?

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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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What are the consequences of not treating adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy, if not treated, can have serious consequences. It primarily leads to persistent bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens. This is often accompanied by snoring during sleep. Additional symptoms include persistent tinnitus, decreased hearing, and a feeling of stuffiness in the ears. Adenoid hypertrophy can also cause a high-arched hard palate, irregular teeth, and facial deformities. Therefore, once adenoid hypertrophy occurs, active treatment is necessary. Generally, adenoid hypertrophy is caused by inflammation, leading to congestion, edema, and proliferation of the adenoids, which is most common in children aged three to eight. In treating acute adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is needed, including the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids for local nebulization inhalation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy using plasma may be necessary. This treatment can completely cure the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
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Adenoid hypertrophy conservative treatment

Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common disease, mainly seen in children, with only a small portion of adults possibly experiencing adenoid hypertrophy. In terms of treatment, the first consideration is conservative medical treatment, which currently commonly involves oral medications and nasal sprays. Additionally, rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution and adopting a side-sleeping position during sleep can be considered. Most patients see a significant improvement in symptoms after standardized medication treatment, and with increasing age, many adenoids may gradually atrophy. However, there is a small group of patients for whom medication does not work well and symptoms are more apparent; in these cases, adenoidectomy might be considered. After the surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the relief of symptoms and to check for any recurrence. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)