Correlation of Reduced Serum Iron Levels with Acute Adenoiditis in Preschool-Aged Children

Adenoid tissues, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, are a mass of lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx that play a crucial role in the immune system by trapping and destroying pathogens entering through the nasal passages and is formed by a lymphatic structure with an immunological role, being a part of Waldeyer's ring. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between low serum iron levels in preschool children who present for otolaryngology evaluation with symptoms of acute adenoiditis.

Material and Method: In our study, we included 118 patients aged between 2 and 6 years who presented with nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea, sleep disturbance, nocturnal cough, and varying degrees of fever attacks. Otolaryngological examination evidenced adenoidal tissue of different sizes covered with pus that drained into the nasal fossa and at the level of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Given the multitude of etiological factors implicated in the onset of acute adenoiditis, we aimed to evaluate tserum iron levels in all examined patients.

Results: More than 42% of the investigated patients presented with varying degrees of low iron levels, which were well correlated with the intensity of their symptoms.

Conclusion: Our observational study concludes that deficient nutrients in a healthy diet, associated with low serum iron levels, are correlated with the onset of acute adenoiditis in preschool children.