Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate self-reported swallowing difficulties and voice-related symptoms in children with different degrees of adenoid hypertrophy and after 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 significantly higher PEDI-EAT-10 and CVHI-10 scores in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p

Key words: Adenoid Hypertrophy, Swallowing, Voice, Self-reported Symptoms, Pediatric Otolaryngology