Adenoid Facies
A characteristic facial appearance associated with chronic mouth breathing, marked by an elongated face, open lips, narrow nasal passage, and hypotonic musculature.
Full Definition
Adenoid facies describes a constellation of craniofacial features that develop secondary to chronic nasal obstruction, most commonly caused by hypertrophic adenoid tissue. The resulting obligate mouth breathing places abnormal soft-tissue pressures on the developing dentofacial complex, promoting vertical facial growth, narrow arches, and anterior open bite. Editors must distinguish this as a clinical descriptive term and avoid confusing it with a diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy itself. The term is frequently encountered in case-report narratives and referral letters and should be lowercase unless beginning a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Use as a descriptive clinical term, not as a standalone diagnosis. Do not capitalise unless at sentence start.
In Context
- "The referring orthodontist noted classical adenoid facies in the 9-year-old patient's clinical photographs." — Referral letter
- "Case notes must clearly distinguish adenoid facies from a formal diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy." — Editorial style guide