Adenoid Facies

🧒 What is Adenoid Facies?

Adenoid facies refers to the characteristic facial appearance seen in children suffering from chronic adenoid hypertrophy.

These children typically present with nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, and snoring.

🤔 Why Does It Occur?

• Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located at the junction of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx.

• When hypertrophied, they cause chronic nasal obstruction.

• This results in habitual mouth breathing, which over time alters normal craniofacial development.

📝 Key Facial Features of Adenoid Facies

• Mouth breathing
• Open mouth posture
• Short upper lip
• Exposed upper incisor
• High arched palate
• Elongated face
• Crowding of teeth
• Flattened nasal bridge
• Pinched nose
• Hyponasal speech
• Sunken eyes
• Dull, mask-like facies

The reasons behind each of the above features are explained in my detailed notes. Please purchase to get access to it.

📚 Clinical Relevance of Adenoid Facies

• Seen in chronic cases of adenoid hypertrophy
• Should be correlated with history and nasal endoscopy or X-ray lateral nasopharynx

✨ Tip

Always look for mouth breathing and open mouth posture in children with suspected adenoids - it’s the first clinical clue to adenoid facies.