Adenoid Hypertrophy in Adults - Abstract
Adenoid tissue is one of the first line immunological defense mechanisms for the upper aero-digestive tract and reaches its maximum size between 3-7 years of age. Its atrophy starts from 10 years and is usually complete by 20 years of age. However, in the current clinical practice, we do encounter adenoid hypertrophy in adult patients. Persistence of adenoid tissue in adults is either due to chronic inflammation or re-proliferation of regressed adenoid tissue. Important predisposing factors are pollution and smoking. Adenoid hypertrophy most commonly presents with snoring or bilateral nasal obstruction. Our case report describes a 31-year-old female with snoring and nasal obstruction who was diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy by a flexible nasal endoscopy and confirmed with a CT scan. She underwent adenoidectomy as a two-step procedure, starting with the conventional curettage and removal of the bulk followed by removal of the remnant tissue with the help of a Coblation. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of the tissue removed by curettage. Coblation adenoidectomy is becoming popular as an alternative technique for adenoidectomy, as it helps in complete removal with minimal blood loss. Adenoid hypertrophy should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of adults suffering from bilateral nasal obstruction.