Is adenoid hypertrophy without snoring serious?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on June 25, 2025
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Adenoid hypertrophy does not cause snoring and is not severe. The main clinical symptom of adenoid hypertrophy is persistent snoring, accompanied by persistent bilateral nasal congestion. Adenoid hypertrophy is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology, caused by repeated inflammatory infections that lead to congestion, edema, and proliferation of the adenoids. When the adenoids are enlarged, they can cause persistent bilateral nasal congestion and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, it can result in a facial appearance characteristic of adenoid hypertrophy. A detailed examination at a hospital using a nasal endoscope and a nasopharyngeal CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. For the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy, if there is no snoring, no treatment is necessary. If clinical symptoms are present, the initial treatment should include symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment and nebulized inhalation therapy. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical removal of the adenoids may be necessary.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Adenoid hypertrophy is caused by what?

Adenoid hypertrophy can be divided into physiological and pathological hypertrophy. Physiological hypertrophy is a normal part of everyone's development. It begins at the age of three, peaks at about seven, and gradually shrinks around the age of ten. Pathological hypertrophy, on the other hand, often occurs on the basis of physiological hypertrophy, followed by inflammatory stimuli. Factors such as viral infections, colds, and allergic reactions are the main causes of pathological adenoid hypertrophy. This type of hypertrophy can lead to poor respiratory function, symptoms such as snoring during sleep, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. If the enlarged adenoids block the Eustachian tube, it can also lead to secretory otitis media.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Can people with adenoid hypertrophy eat fish?

The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil, is present in everyone's body. In childhood, due to the active proliferation of lymphatic tissue, it can lead to excessive enlargement of the adenoid, causing symptoms such as blockage of the posterior nasal apertures, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinusitis. When adenoid enlargement occurs, treatment is generally surgical, involving the removal of the enlarged adenoid tissue. Patients with enlarged adenoids should avoid spicy, stimulating foods and cold drinks to prevent nasal inflammation and further growth of the adenoid tissue. Consumption of fish and shrimp is permissible, but if the patient has significant allergies or other symptoms, their consumption should be reduced.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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 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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about adenoid hypertrophy?

Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common disease among children, and it also occurs in a small portion of adolescents and adults. Generally, it is necessary to first perform a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the specific extent of hypertrophy. If the hypertrophy is very mild and there are no subjective symptoms, the situation is usually managed with regular check-ups without special treatment. If the hypertrophy is more significant and accompanied by nasal congestion, sleep disturbances, snoring, or a feeling of ear blockage, treatment typically involves the use of oral medications and nasal sprays. Generally, a standard treatment lasts about two weeks, after which the effectiveness should be reassessed. If there is no effectiveness, adenoidectomy, a relatively routine surgery, may need to be considered. However, most patients are very effectively treated with conservative management.