Question
If a child has adenoid hypertrophy and gets a cold, it becomes severe. Do they always need surgery, and are there any risks?
Answer
Adenoid hypertrophy is often caused by incomplete recovery from a cold or cough in children, leading to long-term nasal obstruction that can cause facial deformity, affect intelligence, and potentially trigger otitis media. Surgery should be considered promptly. For adenoid hypertrophy, ionotherapy can also be considered. Generally, if a child’s condition is not too severe after the age of four or five, observation and waiting can be chosen, and perhaps by around the age of ten, the adenoids may have the opportunity to shrink on their own.