Can you get vaccinated if you have enlarged adenoids?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Adenoid hypertrophy needs to be distinguished first between acute and chronic hypertrophy. If it is acute adenoid hypertrophy, vaccination should not be administered. Acute adenoid hypertrophy is most often caused by an acute inflammatory infection, usually secondary to acute rhinitis or sinusitis. When the inflammation affects the adenoids, it leads to congestion, edema, enlargement, and hyperplasia, resulting in clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, ear stuffiness, and ear pain. The treatment primarily involves symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation to alleviate local congestion and edema, which can lead to gradual improvement. Vaccination can be administered once the inflammation has subsided. However, if it is chronic hypertrophy, patients can be vaccinated. Chronic hypertrophy is mostly due to continuous slow enlargement and hyperplasia of the adenoids caused by chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to symptoms like snoring during sleep and mouth breathing. In such cases, adenoidectomy can be curative.

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Treatment methods for adenoid hypertrophy

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 Li Rui
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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 Yan Xin Liang
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What should be done about children's adenoid hypertrophy?

In the case of adenoid hypertrophy in children, the first step is to assess the severity of the enlargement. If the adenoids are enlarged to the third degree, affecting breathing, especially with noticeable snoring after falling asleep at night, or symptoms such as frequent waking due to choking and hypoxia, surgery is generally recommended. This involves going to an otolaryngology department to surgically remove the enlarged adenoids. If the enlargement is only at the first degree or between the first and second degrees, and not very severe, local anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing medications can be used for treatment.

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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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How to check for adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is mainly seen in infants and young children. Children with adenoid hypertrophy often also have enlarged tonsils. Therefore, it is important to ask if the patient breathes with their mouth open, snores, or has episodes of breath-holding. In older children, a nasal endoscopy can be performed to find that the adenoids block two-thirds or even up to three-quarters of the posterior nasal aperture. For smaller children who may not cooperate, imaging studies such as nasopharyngeal CT, X-rays, and lateral films can be used to detect adenoids. In the nasopharynx, the imaging will show the presence of soft tissue with clear boundaries from the surrounding areas.