Adenoid hypertrophy

Question 1

What is adenoid hypertrophy?

Answer 1

Hyperplasia of the pharyngeal tonsils, becomes symptomatic if it leads to congestion of the choanae and eustachian tubes

Question 2

What are the causes of adenoid hypertrophy?

Answer 2

Physiological
Adenoidal inflammation due to
Viral or bacterial infections ( e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Group A Streptococcus)
Allergens

Question 3

What are the clinical features of adenoid hypertrophy?

Answer 3

Mouth breathing 
Hyponasal speech 
Adenoid facies (Elongated, open-mouthed face, short upper lip, thin nostrils, malpositioned and prominent upper teeth)
Recurrent chronic otitis media 
Tympanic effusion
Conductive hearing loss

Question 4

How are adenoids diagnosed?

Answer 4

Flexible nasopharyngoscopy showing hyperplasia of the adenoids

Question 5

What is the treatment of adenoids?

Answer 5

(Asymptomatic) No treatment
Adenotonsillectomy
Treat the underlying cause of inflammation (e.g., intranasal corticosteroids for allergies or antibiotics for infection)