What Is Adenoiditis?

Adenoids, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, are located at the midline of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx and are part of the internal ring of the pharyngeal lymphatic ring. Under normal physiological conditions, it develops to the maximum at the age of 6-7, gradually shrinks after puberty, and basically disappears in adults. If adenoid hyperplasia and hypertrophy cause corresponding symptoms, it is called adenoidvegetation. The disease is more common in children and often associated with chronic tonsillitis.

Adenoiditis

Inflammation of lymphatic tissue present on top of the nasopharynx. Also called pharyngeal tonsillitis. Adenoids are the largest at about 6 years of age, and gradually shrink and degenerate after 10 years of age, but a few adults still have residual adenoids.

About adenoiditis

Causes of adenoiditis

Inflammation of the nasopharynx and adjacent areas or inflammation of the adenoid itself repeatedly stimulates pathological hyperplasia of the adenoid. Common causes are repeated episodes of acute and chronic nasopharyngitis, and various acute infectious diseases in childhood. Inflammation of the nose and sinuses can also affect the adenoids through their mucous membranes; conversely, adenoid hypertrophy can block the posterior nostrils and aggravate the inflammation of the nose and sinuses. The disease occurs in cold and humid areas, so cold and humidity may be the cause. Children with adenoidal hypertrophy over 5 years old often have chronic tonsillitis.

Adenoid inflammation

The site of the adenoid is in communication with the ear, nose, and throat, so its symptoms are diverse, but it is still mainly respiratory symptoms.

1. Children's symptoms:

(1) Local symptoms

1) Ear symptoms: Adenoid hypertrophy or eustachian tube lymphatic hyperplasia can block the eustachian tube pharyngeal orifice, causing secretory otitis media on the side, and also presenting conductive deafness and tinnitus. Sometimes it can cause purulent otitis media. Ear symptoms can sometimes be the first symptoms of adenoidal hypertrophy.

2) Nasal symptoms: Hypertrophic adenoids and purulent secretions can clog the nostrils. Secretions can also accumulate in the nasal cavity and are not easy to scoop out. Therefore, rhinitis and sinusitis are often associated with nasal congestion and runny nose. And can have mouth breathing, occlusive nasal speech and snoring during sleep.

Long-term nasal congestion and open mouth breathing can cause facial bone developmental disorders, long maxillary bones, hard palate high arches, protruding upper incisors, irregular dentition and malocclusion, mandibular droop, lip thickness, upper lip upturn, lower lip suspension, And often accompanied by deviated nasal septum, coupled with faint spirits, dull facial expressions, is the so-called "adenoid face" (adenoidface).

3) Symptoms of throat and lower respiratory tract: paroxysms may occur, and lymph nodes in the jaw angle may be enlarged.

(2) Systemic symptoms:

1) Because nasopharyngeal secretions are often swallowed into the stomach by children, causing gastrointestinal disorders, which can lead to anorexia, vomiting, and indigestion.

2) There may be night terrors, dreams, unresponsiveness, and inattention.

2. Adult symptoms:

Mostly manifested as nasopharyngeal dryness and foreign body sensations.

Adenoiditis diagnosis

Because it is more common in children and can affect children's growth and development, it is important to have a diagnosis.

1. Inspection: Adenoid face, common mucus in the oropharynx flows down from the nasopharynx, and palatine tonsil hypertrophy is common.

2. Adenoid swelling was seen under nasopharyngoscope with secretion retention.

3 Palpation: There are soft tissue masses at the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.

4 X-ray and CT can determine the location and size of adenoids.

Adenoiditis treatment

Once confirmed, adenoidectomy should be performed as soon as possible.

1. Adenoidal hypertrophy causes open mouth breathing, snoring, or occlusive nasal sounds.

2. Adenoidal hypertrophy can block the eustachian tube of the eustachian tube, cause secretory otitis media, and hearing loss; or cause recurrent episodes of suppurative otitis media to be cured.

3 Have formed adenoid face, and have wasted, stunted.

4 Adenoid hypertrophy with nasal cavity, recurrent sinus inflammation, or frequent upper respiratory infections.

(A) local symptoms: children with adenoidal hypertrophy blocked the nostril and eustachian tube and throat, otolaryngology and other symptoms can occur. Open mouth breathing during sleep, snoring often after the root of the tongue, restlessness at night, nasal secretion, occlusive nasal sounds when speaking, vague speech. Due to long-term mouth breathing, the development of the facial bones has become longer, the maxilla has become longer, the hard palate has high arches, the dentition is inconsistent, the upper incisors are exposed, the lips are thick, the facial expression is lacking, and dementia manifests, forming a "adenoid face". Ataxia between swallowing and breathing, often coughing. Secretions downstream irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and are susceptible to bronchitis. Obstruction of the eustachian tube can easily lead to non-purulent otitis media caused by decreased suction and tympanic membrane depression.

(2) Systemic symptoms: There are often systemic nutrition and developmental disorders, mainly manifested by chronic poisoning reflex neurological symptoms, such as dull expression, chest tightness, poor lung dilation, and chronically caused chicken breasts or flat chests. Pulmonary heart disease and even acute heart failure occur due to chronic nasal obstruction and chronic hypoxia.