Effect of adenoid hypertrophy and pulmonary function tests in children with mild asthma

This study aims to assess the effect of adenoid hypertrophy on asthma in children with mild asthma.

Between September 2010 and September 2012, 63 children (42 males, 21 females; median age 10.5 years; range 6 to 14 years) admitted to our clinic with asthma complaint were included in this study. These children were evaluated for adenoid hypertrophy, symptoms of asthma, medical treatment, pulmonary function tests at the beginning of the study and at the end of second month.

There was no correlation between initial pulmonary function tests and adenoid hypertrophy. But we observed significantly lower forced vital capacity values in children with prominent adenoid hypertrophy (p=0.033). While there was no significant difference in pulmonary function tests in terms of inhaled steroid usage (p>0.05), final forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75) values were statistically higher in patients who were using nasal steroids (p=0.015).

Consequently, significantly higher values of FEF25-75 in the group that used nasal steroid suggest that adenoid hypertrophy affects the airway obstruction. Moreover, absence of airway obstruction symptoms in patients with mild adenoid hypertrophy suggests pulmonary function tests may help to decide performing adenoidectomy.