Does adenoid hypertrophy require nasal irrigation?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on March 10, 2025
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Enlarged adenoids require nasal cleansing, which can be done using saline solution for nasal irrigation. During irrigation, the inflammatory secretions on the surfaces of the nasal cavity and the pharyngeal adenoids can be washed off, thereby alleviating the symptoms of enlarged adenoids. This can relieve the patient's nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. This is a conservative treatment method for enlarged adenoids. Additionally, during the acute phase of enlarged adenoids, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is also necessary, using antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins, which are effective. Administration of budesonide via nebulization can also be combined to reduce congestion and edema of the mucous membrane on the surface of the adenoids, relieving symptoms. If the adenoids remain enlarged for an extended period, and conservative treatments are ineffective, and if the patient has severe snoring symptoms, then adenoidectomy might be necessary to completely cure the condition. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Can adenoid hypertrophy be felt by touch?

Adenoid hypertrophy is palpable, as the adenoids are a cluster of lymphoid tissue located at the top of the nasopharynx. If there is localized hypertrophy, it can be directly felt through the mouth. Adenoid hypertrophy most commonly occurs in children, especially those between the ages of three and six, and often follows acute colds, rhinitis, and adenoid hypertrophy, eventually leading to persistent bilateral nasal obstruction. Additionally, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as snoring during sleep, decreased hearing, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness. In severe cases, it may lead to a facial appearance characteristic of adenoid hypertrophy. It is necessary to first visit a hospital for a thorough examination, which can include an electronic nasopharyngoscopy, nasopharyngeal CT, and nasopharyngeal palpation to confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, acute adenoid hypertrophy requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, along with nebulized inhalation. If conservative treatment is ineffective, adenoidectomy may be necessary for cure.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can adenoid hypertrophy be treated with massage?

Patients with adenoid hypertrophy generally do not see significant therapeutic effects from massage therapy. Adenoid hypertrophy is due to the proliferation of lymphoid tissue at the posterior nasopharyngeal wall, which leads to nasal congestion and sleep apnea at night. When sleep apnea occurs, it is first necessary to complete sleep monitoring and blood oxygen saturation monitoring and other relevant tests to make a clear diagnosis of the patient's condition. For patients with adenoid hypertrophy occupying more than two-thirds of the posterior nasal aperture, plasma surgery is usually required to ablate the hypertrophied adenoid tissue and restore normal nasal ventilation function, thereby alleviating the patient’s sleep apnea and hypoventilation syndrome.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
1min 6sec home-news-image

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 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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What anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken for adenoid hypertrophy?

Most glandular hypertrophy does not require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, as it is a common condition or physiological manifestation in children. Glandular hypertrophy is the proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharyngeal area, causing partial obstruction of the posterior nasal aperture. Initially, clinical symptoms should be assessed. If there is only simple hypertrophy without any discomfort, it can be observed without treatment. However, if glandular hypertrophy is accompanied by clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring during sleep, and mouth breathing, the use of oral medications and nasal sprays should be considered, but generally, anti-inflammatory drugs are not needed. If there is an acute inflammatory response in the glands, the use of antibiotics along with regular follow-ups and nasal cavity cleaning should be considered. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should only be taken under the guidance of a professional medical doctor, and blind medication should be avoided.)