REVIEW article
Front. Allergy
Sec. Rhinology
Volume 6 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/falgy.2025.1650119
Clinical Features, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Multidisciplinary Management Strategies for Rhinitis-Induced Adenoid Facies in Children and Adolescents: A Review
Provisionally accepted
- First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Chronic rhinitis, which leads to long-term nasal obstruction and mouth breathing, is the core factor in the development of "rhinitis face" (adenoid facies) in children. Its clinical features include a persistent open-mouth posture, an elongated lower face (long face syndrome), a high-arched palate, a recessed jaw, and dental malocclusion, often accompanied by periorbital changes like allergic shiners (dark circles) and infraorbital folds. The underlying mechanism is that mouth breathing disrupts the balance of orofacial muscles and alters normal tongue posture, thereby interfering with proper craniofacial development. "Rhinitis face" is not just an aesthetic issue but a pathological condition that can lead to severe maxillofacial deformities, occlusal dysfunction, and sleep-disordered breathing, significantly impacting a child's physical and psychological well-being. Claims that the condition is attractive or causes larger eyes have no scientific basis. Management emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach and early intervention. The key is to first treat the primary cause, such as rhinitis, to restore nasal airflow; second, correct the mouth-breathing habit through orofacial myofunctional therapy; and finally, involve orthodontic or surgical intervention when necessary. Early recognition and comprehensive management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords: Rhinitis Face, Adenoid facies, Mouth Breathing, Children, adolescents, Maxillofacial Development, allergic rhinitis, multidisciplinary management
Received: 19 Jun 2025; Accepted: 04 Aug 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ying, Xu, Han, Gao, Wang, Xu, Guo and Bai. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Ding Ying, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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