Adenoid hypertrophy conservative treatment

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 08, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is adenoid hypertrophy more severe in winter?

Adenoid hypertrophy tends to be more severe in the winter due to the weather changes which can lead to significant adenoid hyperplasia. Adenoid hypertrophy is generally more common in children aged three to eight. It is caused by repeated stimulation from acute inflammation, leading to congestion, edema, and growth of the adenoids. This condition can cause patients to experience persistent bilateral nasal congestion, snoring during sleep, and episodes of breath-holding. Additionally, patients may also experience tinnitus, hearing loss, and other related symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed through an electronic nasopharyngoscope and adenoid CT scans. For treatment, patients can initially opt for conservative treatments such as oral antibiotics. Additionally, localized nebulizer inhalation can be used to reduce congestion and swelling of the adenoids. If conservative treatments are ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary for recovery. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
45sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
36sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy in children?

Children with adenoid hypertrophy mainly have the following symptoms: The first is that children are prone to nasal congestion, and they may snore and breathe through their mouths while sleeping at night. The second is that their facial appearance might change. The third is that children may experience a decrease in memory and lack of concentration. It is recommended to visit the otolaryngology department for diagnosis. If diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy in children, treatment should be targeted, based on the specific condition and severity of the child.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
50sec home-news-image

How to treat adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy mainly occurs in infants and children. It is a congenital disease, meaning that most children are born with varying degrees of adenoid hypertrophy. However, in many children, the adenoids begin to shrink after six months and generally do not cause symptoms. If the adenoids are enlarged, it can lead to the child breathing through their mouth, snoring, and gasping, which may cause facial changes, brain hypoxia, and delayed brain development. In such cases, adenoidectomy might be considered, generally performed under general anesthesia. However, some children with adenoid hypertrophy also have enlarged tonsils, so both surgeries are often performed together. Otherwise, if only the adenoid hypertrophy is treated without addressing enlarged tonsils, problems such as mouth breathing and snoring may not improve.