Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2026.65.03.04

Leading Symptoms of Adenoids Differ Between Adults and Children

Tajana Gudlin-Sbüll ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Varaždin General Hospital, Varaždin, Croatia
Davor Vagić ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Dražen Shejbal ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Varaždin General Hospital, Varaždin, Croatia
Ivana Vuđan ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Varaždin General Hospital, Varaždin, Croatia
Anita Lukić ; Department of Anaesthesiology, Rheumatology, and Intensive Care, Varaždin General Hospital, Varaždin, Croatia; Bjelovar University of Applied Sciences, Bjelovar, Croatia; The University North, Varaždin, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study aimed to define the symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy in adults and
children to facilitate earlier diagnosis in adults.
This observational cross-sectional study compared clinical features of adenoid
hypertrophy in adults (97 patients ≥ 14 years, study group) and children (64
patients < 14 years, control group). Data were collected using otoscopy, rhinoscopy,
oropharyngoscopy, and fiber-endoscopy.
Fifteen throat, nasal, otologic, or neurological symptoms were reported, with
a mean duration of 12 months. Headache was the leading symptom in adults
(25% vs 2% in children), while nasal obstruction predominated in children (31%
vs. 17% in adults). Adenoidectomy effectively resolved the main symptom in
both groups (70% of adults, 80% of children; P = 0.069), with no significant difference
in recurrence (P = 0.629). Recurrence correlated positively with adenoid
size (P = 0.035).
Whereas nasal obstruction was the primary symptom of adenoid hypertrophy
in children, headache was most common in adults and can be effectively treated
with adenoidectomy. Delayed diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy in adults,
sometimes for years, emphasizes the importance of recognizing headache as a
key symptom in adults. Early identification and treatment may prevent serious
complications, including infection dissemination, pulmonary hypertension, and
cor pulmonale.

Keywords

Adenoids; Hypertrophy; Adults; Headache; Symptoms; Children

Hrčak ID:

351340

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351340

Publication date:

28.9.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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