What foods are good to eat for enlarged adenoids?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 02, 2025
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For adenoid hypertrophy, it is advisable to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits in daily life, such as apples, oranges, grapefruits, and tomatoes. Try to avoid spicy and irritating foods as they can cause the adenoids to become congested and swollen, worsening the condition.

Clinically, adenoid hypertrophy is generally caused by repeated inflammatory stimuli and the irritation from spicy foods, leading to diffuse congestion, edema, and hyperplasia of the adenoids. This condition can cause the patient to experience persistent nasal congestion in both nostrils, accompanied by snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss, necessitating a hospital examination where a digital nasopharyngoscope can confirm the diagnosis.

In terms of treatment, acute adenoid hypertrophy requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment combined with a light diet. If the patient has been suffering for a long time and conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary to completely cure the condition.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does adenoid hypertrophy always require surgery?

Is surgery necessary for adenoid hypertrophy? The answer is not necessarily. Adenoid hypertrophy is generally caused by acute rhinitis, tonsillitis, or acute epidemic influenza, among other factors. These factors can lead to the rapid proliferation and enlargement of the adenoids, which may compress the tissues of the nasal cavity, causing nasal obstruction or sinusitis. In such cases, it depends on the symptoms triggered and how significant the impact is on the patient. If the symptoms are not particularly severe, some non-surgical treatments can be adopted, such as enhancing the body's own disease resistance. Oral medications for clearing heat and detoxifying, and if necessary, traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis can be used to adjust the condition. If the enlargement of the adenoids is significantly alleviated with these medicinal treatments, surgery may not be necessary. However, if the disease is not well-controlled and severely affects breathing or swallowing, surgical treatment may be considered.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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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.

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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy is what?

The adenoid is a lymphoepithelial tissue located in our nasopharynx, and it has certain immune functions. Under the stimulation of various factors such as infectious or immune factors, the immune tissue and glands of the adenoid hypertrophy, leading to enlarged adenoids. Once the adenoids are enlarged, they can block our posterior nasal apertures and the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube. This, in turn, can cause us to snore, breathe through the mouth, and lead to secretory otitis media. The progression of the condition can affect our hearing, impact physical development, affect the development of the facial and jaw regions, and result in an adenoid facies. Therefore, when clinical symptoms of adenoid enlargement appear, active management is generally required, mainly surgical treatment.