Question
My daughter is 4 years old. Since she was 3, I’ve noticed that she occasionally snores at night after having a cold, accompanied by nasal congestion. The situation has not improved. After seeing a doctor, I was told that it might be a problem with adenoid hypertrophy. Does adenoid hypertrophy cause nasal congestion?
Answer
The adenoids, also known as tonsillar vegetations or palatine tonsils, are located at the top of the nasopharynx. When the adenoids swell, they may partially or completely block the nasopharyngeal passage, leading to nasal congestion. This condition is more common in children because the adenoids naturally grow during the period from 2 to 10 years old and may reach their largest size at 6 years old. In some cases, adenoid hypertrophy may require medical intervention, especially when it causes difficulty breathing, sleep disorders, or other related symptoms. If you are concerned about your child’s condition, it is advisable to seek medical attention early on to receive appropriate evaluations and treatment recommendations.