Mostly children under 10 years of age suffer from adenoids. In adults, they are quite rare. Inflamed tonsils can provoke a number of complications, among which the most serious is the adenoid type of face.
Provoking factors for the appearance of adenoids
Adenoids are provoked by:
- ARVI;
- hypothermia;
- reduced immunity;
- measles;
- whooping cough;
- scarlet fever.
Risk factors for the development of a condition such as adenoid vegetation include:
- chronic infections;
- improperly balanced nutrition;
- monotonous diet with a high level of carbohydrate intake and lack of vitamins;
- poor ecology in the region in which the person lives;
- bad habits weaken the body's immune system and make it vulnerable;
- a tendency to allergic reactions, which leads to inflammation of the adenoids.
The consequences of the pathological proliferation of adenoids
The pathological proliferation of adenoids leads to the formation of complications in the body of the child, which are both acute and chronic in nature.
Adenoid proliferation prevents the full passage of air through the nose, which leads to a number of complications.
Among them are the following:
- Rhinitis, provoked by stagnant processes in the maxillary sinuses. The chronic form of rhinitis often contributes to ear inflammation.
- An incorrect bite in a child is due to breathing through the mouth. When you inhale, the child presses the tongue to the sky, as a result of which it is located high. This position of the sky changes not only the bite, but also the shape of the skull.
- Deformation of the teeth occurs, which is also triggered by oral breathing. Teeth also undergo deformation. The fangs are too high, and the front teeth in the upper jaw protrude forward. An adenoid type of face is a sign of occlusion of the teeth of the lower jaw.
- The lower jaw becomes wide, takes the form of a wedge. The skull is deformed due to the high position of the sky.
- Against the background of chronic rhinitis, nasal arises. The child constantly talks in the nose, does not utter certain sounds.
- Neurological disorders are noted. Significantly reduced memory and attention, which is provoked by a chronic circulatory disturbance in the brain. This causes the appearance of migraines, irritability, apathy and increased fatigue. Such children are characterized by low school performance; it is difficult for them to memorize teaching material.
- With a long-term illness, as a result of insufficient inspiration, the chest can be deformed. For example, there is such a pathology of the structure of the skeleton as "chicken breast".
- The decreased protective function of the tonsils causes a weakening of immunity. Viruses often penetrate the respiratory system, which provokes the development of laryngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis.
All of the above symptoms are a vivid confirmation of the importance of timely treatment of adenoids. A complicated form of this ailment can cause the appearance of many pathologies, which include an adenoid face. This pathology with untimely treatment can cause various complications.
What is an adenoid face?
How can the face and skull deform with adenoids?
An adenoid type of face is a pathological facial expression that is formed due to the presence of adenoid vegetation.
With an adenoid face, a number of basic signs are noted, which can be attributed to:
- the mouth is in a half-open position;
- the presence of a malocclusion;
- the presence of the lower jaw in the form of a wedge;
- expressionless face;
- dejected facial expression;
- the presence of nasal.
Where is the nasopharyngeal tonsil located?
This tonsil is located on the border of the upper and lower nasopharyngeal walls. Its basis is tissue penetrated by the smallest mesh, consisting of lymphatic and blood vessels.
The functionality of the nasopharyngeal tonsil is to develop and maintain immunity at an optimal level. She also acts as a defense mechanism. When air is inhaled, all viruses, microphages, toxins are in the oral cavity, then they penetrate the cell membrane of the tonsil, where they are found with the cells of the immune system and antibodies. Their functionality lies in the quick disposal and removal of processed products.
Causes of pathology
The main reason for the appearance of a condition such as adenoid vegetation is the long-term course of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. The inflammatory process becomes the main provocateur of an increase in the size of the nasopharyngeal tonsil.
Adenoid face in a child
The causes of this pathology are different. Adenoid type of face is more common in children from dysfunctional families, in which the baby's health is not paid due attention.
What is the reason for the development of an adenoid face in a child, any laryngologist will say. The basis of the disease is hypertrophy of the tonsil tissue located in the nasopharynx. It develops against the background of a chronic inflammatory process in the mouth, pharynx, and nose.
From this we can conclude that the risk of a violation of the face and skull is high in those babies who often suffer colds and infectious diseases.
The critical weakening of the immune system caused by malnutrition, the attachment of secondary manifestations of rickets suffered in childhood are all provoking factors.
The delay in the development of the mental and mental sphere can be a starting point, and not be a consequence of the adenoid type of face. This is because children with mental retardation often keep their jaw ajar. As a result, a steady habit is developed.
Is pathology a conservative treatment?
Can an adenoid face in a child be corrected through conservative treatment? Rather, the answer will be no. In this case, much depends on the age of the child and the degree of completion of the formation of cranial bones. If it is not finished, then you can try to correct the face shape through a specially designed set of gymnastic exercises.
It should be noted that before the elimination of such a pathological condition as an adenoid face, complex therapy is carried out aimed at curing the nasopharyngeal tonsil. If necessary, surgical intervention is indicated. Also, curvature of the nasal septum should be excluded.
In the later stages of the development of the disease, you can resort to the help of a specialist in the field of facial surgery. But you should also constantly work with your child to develop the habit of breathing through the nose, not the mouth, and accustom to keep your mouth closed.
What does an adenoid face look like in a child, photos are presented in this article. Immediately, the most striking signs can be noted:
- mouth ajar;
- puffiness of the face;
- apparent inhibition in appearance;
- smoothed folds of the nasolabial region;
- due to the constant implementation of breathing through the mouth, the bones of the face and jaw are deformed;
- the upper jaw is narrowed;
- the face acquires an elongated shape;
- bite is deformed;
- upper lip becomes shortened;
- incisors located on top are constantly visible;
- the skin of the lips becomes dry;
- the chest is deformed;
- teeth can be deformed at the top, acquiring a twisted shape around the axis.
- secondary complications such as hearing loss and blockage of the Eustachian tube by the compressed tissues of the tonsil near the nasopharynx can also be observed;
- severe snoring at night, which often degenerates into apnea.
About half of the children diagnosed with an "adenoid face", the photo of which is presented below, have a delay in mental and mental development, pathology of the respiratory system, and insufficient oxygen supply to the brain tissues.
At what age are adenoid vegetations more common in children?
The adenoid face in a child is noted at the age of 3 to 5 years, since it is during this period that the tonsils of the nasopharynx reach their maximum development.
In which case do parents seek help from a doctor?
Usually, parents who have noticed the following symptoms in their children come to the laryngologist’s appointment:
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- chronic rhinitis;
- mouth breathing during periods of sleep and wakefulness;
- the presence of snoring at night;
- ear infection;
- puffiness of the face;
- hearing impairment;
- coughing at night;
- frequent colds;
- ARVI.
Such a pathology as an adenoid face, the signs of which are listed above, is provoked by the growth of adenoids. In children, a gradual change in the structure of the facial bones is noted. As a result of this pathology, an adenoid face is formed in the child.
The main stages of the development of pathology
Medicine knows three main stages of development of such a pathological condition as an adenoid face.
- At the first stage, the nasopharyngeal tonsil does not grow very intensively. Already at this stage, abnormalities in the work of the respiratory system are noted. In connection with the active influence of pathogenic viruses, the tonsil tissue begins to condense, and its swelling appears. Every day it takes up more and more space in the nasopharynx. As a result of a lack of oxygen, the child becomes apathetic and nervous. Thus, at the first stage of the disease, the child mainly breathes freely, but during the day breathes through his nose and mouth.
- In the second stage, the child practically does not breathe through the nose; more and more, he uses his mouth to consume oxygen. As a result, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is exposed to the negative effects of bacteria, as a result of which bronchitis or laryngitis develops. At this stage, snoring is noted at night. Parents can easily suspect tonsil hypertrophy. Moreover, the development of signs of an adenoid face is inherent in this stage.
- In the third stage, colds bother the child more often. There is chronic rhinitis with abundant discharge of pus. Oxygen is consumed only through the mouth. Snoring at night is more intense. There is also a night cough, purulent inflammation of the ear develops, and the level of hearing decreases. At the third stage, almost all signs of an adenoid face are noted.
The main methods of therapy and correction
The choice of the course of therapy to eliminate adenoids and an adenoid face depends on the stage at which this disease resides.
Before proceeding with the correction of a deformed face, it is necessary to eliminate the indirect cause of tonsil inflammation in the nasopharyngeal system. When stopping the disease, you can suspend the process of facial deformation.
Conservative Therapy Methods
Many are interested in the adenoid type of face, how to fix it better, conservatively or promptly?
Doctors say that conservative therapy is highly effective in the first and second stages of adenoids.
Conservative therapy should include:
- Drugs against bacteria that quickly fight respiratory infections.
- Medicines that promote vasoconstriction. They relate to symptomatic agents that have no effect on the underlying disease. Means help to eliminate nasal congestion and relieve the general condition of the child for a while.
- Immune stimulants that fight colds caused by impaired immunity.
Surgical treatment
Adenoids are removed by surgery if the disease is in the first or second stage.
The following types of operation are distinguished:
- The classic way. With it, tonsils must be removed. In this case, local or general Beckman anesthesia is used. Such an operation lasts no more than half an hour.
- Endoscopic view of the operation. Overgrown adenoids are removed using general anesthesia using an endoscope, which is inserted into the oral cavity. This method has a greater degree of efficiency than the first method. Recovery of the child after surgery takes place in a day.
- Laser method. With its help, the vegetation of adenoids without cuts is destroyed. Tonsil tissue is evaporated.
Existing contraindications for surgery
Contraindications include:
- acute inflammatory process;
- blood rheology disorders.
Many doctors point to the fact that a conservative method of treatment can help cure a disease only at the initial stages of its development.
As for the conservative method of treatment for eliminating an adenoid face, much depends on the age of the child and the degree of the disease. The transition from one stage to another causes a rapid deformation of the bones of the skull.
At the initial stages and at an earlier age, an adenoid face can be corrected by a set of gymnastic exercises that are aimed at developing facial muscles and special therapeutic exercises for the face.
In this regard, it can be stated that the existing deformation of the face in the later stages can be eliminated only through surgical intervention. In adult patients, correction of an adenoid face is possible only with the use of plastic surgery.
Conclusion
Adenoid type of face - a complex pathology provoked by untreated adenoids. The enlarged nasopharyngeal tonsil disrupts breathing, as a result of which the palatine part of the mouth, facial muscles, teeth and skull bones are deformed. Adenoid type of face in adults is much less common than in children.