The impact of adenoid hypertrophy on obstructive sleep apnea in children with allergic rhinitis: a retrospective analysis of ventilation function and treatment outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Adenoid hypertrophy is known to contribute to upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The impact of adenoid hypertrophy on ventilation function, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and treatment outcomes in children with coexisting allergic rhinitis and OSA has not been extensively characterized. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the influence of adenoid hypertrophy on OSA in children with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

A total of 105 children with allergic rhinitis-related OSA were included in this retrospective study between January 2022 and December 2023 and divided into the nonadenoid hypertrophy group (n=52) and the adenoid hypertrophy group (n=53) based on adenoid hypertrophy. Nasal ventilation function parameters, polysomnography (PSG) findings, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared with those without adenoid hypertrophy, children with adenoid hypertrophy presented increased nasal resistance, nasal expiratory flow velocity, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); lower oxygen saturation during sleep; and increased obstructive and central apnea indices. Additionally, adenoid hypertrophy was associated with increased nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. Moreover, the no-adenoid hypertrophy group demonstrated higher rates of improvement in OSA severity and parental satisfaction with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenoid hypertrophy significantly impacts ventilation ability, OSA severity, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and treatment outcomes in children with allergic rhinitis-related OSA.