How to self-check for glandular hypertrophy
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Enlarged adenoids can generally be self-assessed based on physical signs and symptoms. Adenoid hypertrophy may lead to adenoidal facies, secretions attached to the posterior pharyngeal wall, or be accompanied by palatine tonsillar hypertrophy and a soft mass in the nasopharyngeal roof and posterior wall. Symptoms typically include mouth breathing, increased nasal discharge, and a closed nasal tone with coughing during speech. Additionally, it may also be associated with nutritional deficiencies and developmental delays.
Enlarged glands can generally be self-assessed based on physical signs and symptoms.
1. Physical Signs
After glandular enlargement occurs, it may lead to poor facial skeletal development, resulting in an "adenoidal facies" characterized by malaligned teeth, high-arched palate, protruding upper incisors, thick lips, and elongated maxilla. Secretions may be observed adhering to the posterior pharyngeal wall, or there may be accompanying palatine tonsillar hypertrophy. On palpation, a soft mass may be felt at the posterosuperior wall of the nasopharynx.
2. Symptoms
Glandular enlargement may block the pharyngeal openings of the Eustachian tubes and the posterior nasal apertures, causing impaired airflow and manifesting as mouth breathing, increased nasal discharge, a closed nasal tone during speech, and unclear articulation. Additionally, ataxia between swallowing and breathing may occur, leading to choking or coughing episodes. The condition may also be accompanied by nutritional and developmental disturbances, presenting as chest tightness, dull facial expression, pectus carinatum (pigeon chest), or pectus excavatum (flat chest).
After the onset of glandular enlargement, patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for evaluation through tests such as complete blood count, nasal endoscopy, or CT scanning, to identify the underlying cause and receive timely treatment to promote recovery.
