EFFECT OF INTRANASAL STEROIDS ON ADENOID HYPERTROPHY

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intranasal steroids on adenoid hypertrophy in children.

Study Design:   Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ear, nose and Throat (ENT) Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital; From December 2022 to December 2023.

Methodology: This was conducted on a sample size of n=128. Study included Children aged 3-13 years with adenoid hypertrophy presenting to ENT OPD congregated into two groups with 64 children in each; NSD Group and NS Group. Following detailed history given by parents about symptoms and endoscopic evaluation. Effects of 8week course of Beclomethasone topical application and Normal saline drops on patients were assessed. Data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 23.

Results: A total of 128 children were enrolled into intranasal steroid treatment (NSD) and normal saline treatment (NS) groups (n=64 each), with comparable baseline characteristics. Post-treatment, the NSD group showed greater improvements for nasal blockage (45.3% vs. 32.8%), snoring (59.4% vs. 25%), and rhinorrhea (64.1% vs. 32.8%), along with significant reductions in adenoid size on X-ray and endoscopy. Paired sample t-test showed the significant improvements in both groups (p<0.001), though intergroup comparison demonstrated superior outcomes with NSD for nasal blockage, snoring, rhinorrhea, and X-ray grading (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Early referral to specialist clinics is crucial for timely diagnosis and early institution of medical management of adenoid hypertrophy. Its efficacy promises to decrease the burden of surgery cases and prevent several longterm complications.