Evaluation of swallowing and voice functions in children with different degrees of adenoid hypertrophy and after adenoidectomy

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate self-reported swallowing difficulties and voice-related symptoms in children with varying degrees of adenoid hypertrophy and in those who had undergone adenoidectomy.

Materials and Methods: Children aged 5–12 years diagnosed with adenoid hypertrophy were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the degree of nasopharyngeal obstruction: no detectable adenoid hypertrophy (control), adenoid hypertrophy occupying less than ≤50% of the nasopharyngeal space, and adenoid hypertrophy occupying more than >50% of the nasopharyngeal space. Swallowing and voice functions were assessed using validated self-report screening questionnaires: the Children’s Voice Handicap Index-10 (CVHI-10) and the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool-10 (PEDI-EAT-10). For patients who underwent adenoidectomy, both questionnaires were re-administered one month postoperatively and compared with preoperative results.

Results: A total of 113 children (mean age 7.41 ± 2.00 years) were included. Group comparisons showed that PEDI-EAT-10 and CVHI-10 scores were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001). Adenoidectomy significantly reduced both scores postoperatively (p <0.001). Self-reported dysphonia was observed in 15% of patients, and self-reported swallowing difficulties in 25.7% of patients, with the highest prevalence in Group 3.

Conclusion: Severe adenoid hypertrophy was associated with greater patient-reported impairments in swallowing and voice function compared with controls. Adenoidectomy led to significant postoperative improvements in swallowing and voice symptoms, as assessed by screening tools.