What are the consequences of not treating adenoid hypertrophy?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 16, 2025
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Adenoid hypertrophy, if not treated, can have serious consequences. It primarily leads to persistent bilateral nasal congestion that progressively worsens. This is often accompanied by snoring during sleep. Additional symptoms include persistent tinnitus, decreased hearing, and a feeling of stuffiness in the ears. Adenoid hypertrophy can also cause a high-arched hard palate, irregular teeth, and facial deformities. Therefore, once adenoid hypertrophy occurs, active treatment is necessary. Generally, adenoid hypertrophy is caused by inflammation, leading to congestion, edema, and proliferation of the adenoids, which is most common in children aged three to eight. In treating acute adenoid hypertrophy, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is needed, including the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids for local nebulization inhalation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy using plasma may be necessary. This treatment can completely cure the condition.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
50sec home-news-image

Which department should I visit for adenoid hypertrophy?

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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can you eat eggs with enlarged adenoids?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy can eat eggs. Adenoid hypertrophy is a common and frequent disease in otorhinolaryngology, primarily occurring in infants and young children, especially those aged 5-7 years. Due to the significant proliferation of lymphatic tissue, it can cause an enlargement of the lymphatic tissue on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, thereby blocking the posterior nasal passages. This leads to symptoms such as snoring, breath-holding, sleep apnea, and hypoxia during nighttime in patients. Therefore, for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, after confirmation through exams such as electronic nasopharyngoscopy and lateral nasopharyngeal radiography, surgery is usually required to remove the enlarged adenoid tissue. In some cases, the removal of the tonsils is also necessary in order to restore ventilation in the nasopharynx and oral cavity, improving symptoms like nighttime snoring and breath-holding in patients.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What medicine is good for enlarged adenoids?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common and frequently occurring disease in the field of otolaryngology head and neck surgery. Clinically, adenoid hypertrophy is mainly treated through surgical removal, which is typically performed under endoscopic guidance using techniques such as plasma surgery. As for its clinical drug treatment, it should be noted first that there are no drugs specifically targeting adenoid hypertrophy. The drugs currently used, such as mometasone furoate nasal spray and montelukast sodium, are aimed at treating allergic factors related to adenoid hypertrophy. These drugs have some effects, but their efficacy is relatively poor, and only a small portion of patients achieve certain therapeutic effects. Therefore, if adenoid hypertrophy causes secondary diseases such as snoring, otitis media, or sinusitis in patients, it is still necessary to proceed with active surgical treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician)

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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink milk with enlarged adenoids?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy can consume milk. The adenoids, also known as the pharyngeal tonsils, are a common ENT disorder, occurring mostly in children. The adenoid tissues become hyperplastic and active, blocking the posterior nasal passages and causing symptoms such as snoring during nighttime sleep, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinusitis. When adenoid hypertrophy occurs, surgery is primarily used for treatment. In terms of diet, patients can consume milk and eggs, but should avoid cold and spicy foods to prevent exacerbating the swelling and congestion of the adenoids.