Traditional Chinese medicine for pediatric adenoidal hypertrophy: effects on pharyngeal muscle dysfunction based on Qi deficiency and blood stasis

Adenoidal Hypertrophy (AH) in children is commonly accompanied by chronic oral respiration, which may lead to abnormal tension of the perioral muscle groups and persistent upper airway dysfunction. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these manifestations are closely associated with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. This study summarizes clinical experience in treating AH by correcting oral respiration-induced perioral muscle tension based on this theoretical framework. A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with AH was conducted. Clinical manifestations included habitual oral respiration, mouth opening, altered perioral muscle tension, and recurrent nasal obstruction. TCM interventions aimed at tonifying qi and promoting blood circulation were administered according to syndrome differentiation. Changes in respiratory patterns, perioral muscle tension, and AH-related symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment. Meta-analysis showed that the overall effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the TCM group compared with control treatments (OR = 4.41, 95% CI: 2.45-7.93, P < 0.001). TCM treatment targeting qi deficiency and blood stasis may effectively correct oral respiration-induced perioral muscle tension and improve clinical symptoms of adenoidal hypertrophy in children. These findings support the potential role of integrating TCM with conventional management strategies, while further controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy.