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
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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 Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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How should adenoid hypertrophy be treated?

The main factors to consider are the extent of the enlargement and the associated clinical manifestations. If the enlargement is mild and does not cause significant nasal congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, or waking up due to breath-holding, conservative treatment can be used. The common medications for conservative treatment include nasal sprays and nasal steroids. If the adenoid enlargement affects breathing function, leading to poor sleep, snoring, breath-holding, or even waking up due to breath-holding, aggressive surgical treatment is required. Surgical treatment involves removing the enlarged adenoids to ensure a clear nasopharynx and bilateral posterior nasal openings, thereby ensuring proper breathing function and alleviating related secondary diseases.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy cause yellow nasal discharge?

The glands located in our nasopharyngeal area are immune tissues. Enlargement of these glands can lead to an increase in their size, which may block our posterior nasal apertures. Consequently, the secretions in our nasal cavity cannot be properly discharged. This may eventually lead to spontaneous infections causing sinusitis, characterized by the discharge of yellow nasal mucus. Thus, there is a direct relationship between the occurrence of sinusitis in children and the enlargement of these glands. Clinically, it can be observed that after surgery for gland enlargement, the symptoms of sinusitis and the discharge of yellow nasal mucus are significantly reduced or even completely cured. Therefore, it can be said that there is a direct relationship between gland enlargement and conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and the discharge of yellow nasal mucus.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is adenoid hypertrophy massage effective?

Adenoid hypertrophy generally does not respond well to massage therapy, as the affected area is in the nasopharyngeal region and primarily occurs in children. Typically, children reach the peak of adenoid growth around six or seven years of age, and then the adenoids usually begin to shrink after the age of eight. If the adenoid hypertrophy is severe and blocks the posterior nasal passages, it can lead to nasal congestion, snoring, and mouth breathing while sleeping. If severe and left untreated for a long period, it can result in a condition known as "adenoid facies," which causes abnormal development or deformities of the jaw and facial bones. Treatment generally focuses on medication. If medication is ineffective, surgery may be considered. Massage therapy does not have a direct effect on adenoid hypertrophy.

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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.