Adenoid hypertrophy is a relatively common childhood condition.
Adenoid hyperplasia is an enlargement of the lymph glands located above the back of the mouth.
The true incidence of adenoid hyperplasia is difficult to assess.
Most tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy is simply caused by the normal growth pattern for that type of tissue.
Prevention can be directed toward prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment of sore throats to prevent overgrowth of adenoid tissue.