Question
A 10-year-old child has had a history of adenoid hypertrophy since childhood. How should it be treated?
Answer
Adenoid hypertrophy in children is caused by repeated inflammation in the nasopharynx or by the repeated stimulation of the adenoids themselves. Common symptoms include mouth breathing, nasal congestion, and snoring. Enlarged adenoids may block the opening of the eustachian tube, leading to secretory otitis media, which can cause symptoms such as decreased hearing and tinnitus.