Kirtika GUPTA, Sagar CHANDRA, Simmi JINDAL, Bhupesh GUPTA, Bhushan CHAUHAN, Ginni DATTA, Harshit CHAWLA, Umang MOR
European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy - 2026;9(1):41-46
Background: Enlarged adenoids are typically seen in childhood and usually regress after puberty. When enlargement persists or arises later in life, it is unusual and frequently overlooked as a possible cause of nasal obstruction. 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, 11 adults with chronic nasal obstruction were evaluated at a tertiary ENT center. 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 (7 men, 4 women; mean age 28.9 years) presented with nasal obstruction, often accompanied by snoring, postnasal discharge, or ear complaints. Endoscopy confirmed adenoidal tissue in all cases, and imaging excluded sinister pathology. Seven underwent endoscopic adenoidectomy, three underwent conventional curettage, and 1 underwent coblation adenoidectomy. 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, and imaging helps rule out malignancy. Endoscopic excision is a safe and effective treatment that provides excellent symptom relief. Greater clinical awareness may reduce misdiagnosis and improve management of this overlooked condition.
