Patient's question:
Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for pediatric adenoid hypertrophyDoctor's answer:
The adenoid, also known as the pharyngeal tonsil or nasopharyngeal tonsil, is located at the top of the nasopharynx and the posterior wall of the pharynx. It belongs to lymphoid tissue and has a texture resembling orange segments. Similar to tonsils, the adenoid grows gradually after birth as a person ages, with the most active growth period occurring between the ages of 2 to 6. After the age of 10, it gradually shrinks.Enlargement of the adenoid, also known as adenoid hypertrophy, is a pathological proliferation caused by repeated inflammation. This condition leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion and mouth breathing, which are particularly severe at night. It may also cause snoring during sleep, sleep disturbances, and frequent turning over in bed, with the symptoms being more pronounced when lying on one's back. In severe cases, it can even lead to episodes of apnea. This condition is most common in children and is often associated with chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy.