Question
My child has been suffering from a runny nose for two months, and they snore at night. The doctor said it might be due to adenoid hypertrophy. Does adenoid hypertrophy cause a runny nose?
Answer
Adenoid hypertrophy can indeed cause a runny nose. For severe nasal obstruction symptoms that do not respond well to general treatment and individuals with hearing impairments, it is advisable to undergo a tonsillectomy as soon as possible. Before the surgery, a thorough examination should be conducted to rule out contraindications. Before the procedure, the size and extent of the adenoids can be explored by inserting the index finger into the nasopharynx to check for any abnormal vascular pulsations. Then, under general anesthesia, the adenoids are removed using a tonsillectomy tool or a tonsil scraper, inserted along the posterior wall into the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.