Question
My child is only three and a half years old, and he snores while sleeping and speaks with an obstructive nasal sound, making his voice indistinct. The hospital examination said it’s hypertrophy of the adenoids. I want to know what symptoms can hypertrophy of the adenoids cause?
Answer
Once a child is diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy, it is important to promptly identify the cause and actively pursue non-surgical medication and etiological treatment to promote the shrinkage of the adenoids. Otherwise, it may lead to the following complications:
- Adenoid facies: Due to the hypertrophy, the maxilla may be pushed forward, leading to an outward curl of the upper lip, protrusion of the upper teeth, misalignment of dental occlusion, thickening of the upper lips (due to mouth breathing), malnutrition of the upper teeth (turning yellow, black, or even necrotic), irregular teeth arrangement, protrusion of the upper incisors, a high nasal bridge (upturned nose), underdeveloped nostrils, widened palpebral fissures, and a dull or expressionless facial expression (such as being open-mouthed and dazed), with severe cases possibly showing signs of dementia.
- Rhinitis or sinusitis: Symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, or post-nasal drip (manifesting as sneezing and coughing), with a hoarse or indistinct voice.
- Cough or asthma: Post-nasal drip is one of the main manifestations of adenoid hypertrophy, and the dripping mucus can stimulate the mucous membrane of the airways, leading to irritating dry cough (allergic bronchitis) and even asthma attacks.