Question
A 9-year-old boy has been suffering from a continuous runny nose for over half a year. The doctor diagnosed it as adenoid hypertrophy. But different doctors have different opinions, some saying surgery is necessary, while others believe the child can heal on their own. Which one makes sense? I am very confused.
Answer
Hello, if the symptoms are quite pronounced, it’s still advisable to opt for early surgical treatment. If adenoid hypertrophy is not improved, it can lead to various pediatric and otorhinolaryngological diseases. If adenoid hypertrophy obstructs nasal ventilation and sinus drainage, it can trigger rhinitis and sinusitis and exacerbate them. Moreover, due to the increased secretions from sinusitis stimulating the adenoids, they can become even more hypertrophic, creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, children with adenoid hypertrophy and pronounced symptoms should seek early surgical treatment. The sooner the surgery is performed after the age of 5, the better the outcome will be. Symptoms can be significantly improved.