ADULT ADENOID HYPERTROPHY AS A CAUSE OF NASAL OBSTRUCTION: CASE SERIES AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Year 2026, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 41 - 46, 26.03.2026

Kirtika Gupta , Sagar Chandra Simmi Jindal Bhupesh Gupta , Bhushan Chauhan , Ginni Datta , Harshit Chawla Umang Mor

https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1845125

https://izlik.org/JA53JN73XK

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Enlargement of the adenoids is typically seen in childhood and usually regresses after puberty. When it persists or arises later in life, it is unusual and frequently missed as a possible cause of nasal blockage.
Objective: To present a series of adult patients with adenoid hypertrophy who primarily complained of nasal obstruction, and to review the available evidence on its occurrence, clinical profile, and management.
Methods: Over one year, four adults presenting with chronic nasal obstruction were evaluated at a tertiary ENT centre. Each patient underwent anterior rhinoscopy and diagnostic nasal endoscopy, with imaging reserved for selected cases. Adenoidectomy was performed, and outcomes were documented through clinical follow-up.
Results: The patients (2 men, 2 women; mean age 33.7 years) presented with symptoms of nasal obstruction, often accompanied by snoring, postnasal discharge, or ear complaints. Endoscopy confirmed adenoidal tissue in all cases, and imaging excluded sinister pathology. Three underwent endoscopic adenoidectomy, and one underwent conventional curettage. All reported marked improvement, and histology confirmed benign lymphoid tissue in each case.
Conclusion: Although rare, adenoid hypertrophy should be considered among the causes of nasal obstruction in adults. Nasal endoscopy is essential for diagnosis, with imaging useful to rule out malignancy. Endoscopic excision is a safe and effective treatment, providing excellent symptom relief. Greater clinical awareness may reduce misdiagnosis and improve management of this overlooked entity.

Keywords

Adult adenoid hypertrophy , nasal obstruction , endoscopic diagnosis , adenoidectomy , case series

Ethical Statement

The authors assert that all procedures contributing to this work comply with the ethical standards of the relevant national and institutional guidelines on human experimentation and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2008. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients for publication of this case series and accompanying images.

Supporting Institution

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Thanks

Acknowledgement to Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana (Ambala), Haryana, India

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