Which department should I visit for adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on November 16, 2024
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Enlarged adenoids should be examined by an otolaryngologist. Enlarged adenoids are a relatively common condition, usually seen in children, though a small portion of adults may experience it as well. The main symptoms of enlarged adenoids include nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to mouth breathing or a distinctive "adenoid facies". These symptoms are usually more apparent in children around the ages of 5 to 6, and the adenoids generally begin to shrink after the age of 8. However, if the symptoms are pronounced during childhood, timely treatment is necessary. Prolonged lack of treatment or ineffective medication can potentially lead to abnormal development of the facial bones. Therefore, timely medical treatment is crucial, and in severe cases, surgery might be required.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy cause a runny nose?

Adenoid hypertrophy can cause a runny nose, which is a very common symptom of adenoid hypertrophy. Since the adenoids are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharynx, the mucus secreted by the nasal cavity normally flows backward, precisely to the back of the nasal cavity, passing over the adenoids. When the adenoids are enlarged, they block the drainage pathway of the mucus, causing most of it to flow out from the front of the nasal cavity. Therefore, adenoid hypertrophy can lead to a runny nose, which is one of its symptoms, and can also cause related symptoms of rhinitis such as nasal congestion. After nasal congestion, it may lead to various other manifestations, including snoring.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Is adenoid hypertrophy related to rhinitis?

The adenoids are located at the rear end of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharynx. When the adenoids become enlarged, they can affect the ventilation and drainage functions of the nasal cavity. Therefore, enlarged adenoids can cause rhinitis, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, and snoring during sleep; these impact the nasal ventilation, which are the most common symptoms. The rationale is that when the adenoids are enlarged, the nasal mucus cannot be normally drained through the nasal cavity's drainage function. As a result, children may exhibit symptoms of excessive nasal discharge and nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Additionally, the rhinitis caused by the enlarged adenoids leads to nasal congestion, which then manifests as the child snoring and breathing through the mouth during sleep. Over time, this can lead to a condition known as "adenoid facies."

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy require medication?

Adenoid hypertrophy does not necessarily require medication because it is relatively common clinically. Some cases may need medication, while others can be observed. This mainly depends on the severity of the adenoid hypertrophy and the specific clinical symptoms. If the enlargement is not severe and there are no clinical symptoms, it is possible to consider observation without drug treatment, as the adenoids can gradually shrink as age increases. If the adenoids are significantly enlarged and may be accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, snoring, and mouth breathing, it is necessary to consider timely drug treatment. If drug treatment is ineffective, some cases may need to consider adenoidectomy surgery.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does adenoid hypertrophy have a strange smell?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common ENT disease, mostly seen in infants and young children aged 5 to 7 years. Before surgery for adenoid hypertrophy, the blockage of the posterior nasal aperture can cause edema, inflammation, and purulent secretions in the sinus and nasal mucosa, leading to an unpleasant odor in the nasal cavity. Patients with adenoid hypertrophy usually need to undergo adenoidectomy using a plasma knife. After the surgery, local burns can cause necrosis of the mucosa, resulting in bad odors in both the nasal and oral cavities. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, the main approach is to maintain oral hygiene, which can help reduce the unpleasant nasal odors.

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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.