Common Paediatric ENT Conditions Every Parent Should Take Note Of

Common Paediatric ENT Conditions Every Parent Should Take Note Of

As many structures within your child’s ENT (ear, nose, and throat) region are still developmentally immature, they are more prone to developing paediatric ENT conditions. In fact, around 40% of paediatric consults with a general practitioner are for ENT-related problems. However, unlike adults, young children may not always be capable of expressing their discomfort, which may result in delayed treatment.

 

Instead, the onus is on parents to remain alert and keep a lookout for the signs and symptoms of common paediatric ENT  problems to ensure their children receive prompt medical attention. These issues, however minor, should not be left untreated, as they can hinder your child’s growth and development. Read on to learn more.

Paediatric ENT Condition #1: Ear Infections

Asian child experiencing discomfort with their ears.

Ear infections generally occur more often in children than adults. Worse, they are more challenging to detect. The infection occurs when the eustachian tube – the small passageway connecting the middle ears to the back of the nose to help equalise air pressure inside the ears and drain fluid – becomes clogged by bacteria, fluid, mucus, or other microbes. 

 

If your child has a paediatric ear infection, they may exhibit the following common symptoms: 

  • Eating or drinking abnormally
  • Failing to respond to their name or loud sounds
  • Fever
  • Fluid discharge from the ears
  • Increased fussiness, particularly when going to bed
  • Loss of balance
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pulling or tugging their ears regularly

Paediatric ENT Condition #2: Sore Throat

Asian child having a sore throat

Most childhood sore throats are caused by viruses, like pharyngitis (a viral infection). However, some can stem from other conditions, such as strep throat or tonsillitis. When your child has a sore throat, they will experience irritation, pain, or scratchiness in their throat that worsens when they swallow. 

 

However, if your child has yet to learn how to speak, they might not be able to express themselves. In that case, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • The back of your child’s throat appears to be red or swollen
  • The glands on the side of your child’s neck appear or feel swollen
  • Your child seems to be in pain when swallowing food or water
  • Your child has white spots around their throat or tonsils

 

If your child displays any of the above symptoms, please consult a paediatric ENT doctor for treatment immediately.

Paediatric ENT Condition #3: Sinusitis

Asian child with Sinusitis

Sinusitis, an acute or chronic condition caused by an allergy, cold, flu virus, fungal infection, or others, occurs when the hollow sinus cavities surrounding your child’s eyes and nose become inflamed and swollen. When this occurs, it obstructs proper drainage and results in the sinuses becoming blocked and filled with liquid, promoting the growth of germs and bacteria that cause inflammation, pressure, and pain. 

 

Generally, for acute sinusitis, most patients recover and get better after a week or two, even without sinus treatment. However, if your child’s quality of life is constantly impacted by their sinusitis, consider consulting a paediatric ENT doctor, to help manage their symptoms and speed up the recovery process. 

 

Keep a lookout for the following paediatric sinusitis signs and symptoms in your child: 

  • Fatigue
  • Flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion and/or discharge
  • Persistent coughing, with/without phlegm 
  • Snoring during sleep

Paediatric ENT Condition #4: Allergic Rhinitis

Asian child with Allergic Rhinitis

Given their similar symptoms, it is easy to confuse sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. However, the latter, also known as hay fever, occurs when your child is exposed to allergens, causing inflammation and swelling of the inside of the nose.

 

Common signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children include: 

  • Continuous sneezing
  • Fatigue
  • Itchy ears, nose, throat, and roof of mouth
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal discharge or runny nose
  • Watery and itchy eyes

 

While allergic rhinitis usually resolves itself within a few days once you remove the allergen from the environment, the condition can severely impact your child’s quality of life. So, if you notice your child is exhibiting symptoms of this ENT condition, consider speaking to an paediatric ENT doctor, allergic rhinitis specialist about the appropriate allergic rhinitis treatment for your child.

Paediatric ENT Condition #5: Sleep Apnea

Asian child with Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea – central and obstructive. The former is caused by problems with your child’s central nervous system. Meanwhile, the latter occurs when your child’s airways are obstructed by soft tissues, enlarged tonsils, or nasal conditions leading to obstruction and congestion such as Allergic Rhinitis or enlarged adenoids. In either instance, this disorder can cause breathing disruptions during sleep, affecting your child’s sleep quality and causing other issues when they are awake. 

 

As a parent, it is vital to understand that while snoring is one of the obvious signs of sleep apnea, it does not always mean that your child is suffering from the condition. In fact, sleep apnea does not always cause snoring. Do observe your child’s daily behaviour for the following signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and get your child checked accordingly.

The signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:

  • Cough or choking in their sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour
  • Mouth breathing during sleep
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep talking
  • Sleep terrors
  • Sleepwalking
  • Waking up in the middle of the night with gasps or chokes

 

While sleep apnea may not always be dangerous for your child, in severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can cause life-threatening conditions if left untreated. It can interrupt sleep and cause the body’s oxygen levels to fall. The condition can also disrupt your child’s learning and cause poor concentration in the short term. In the long run, it can result in growth issues and problems with neurocognition. If you notice the above signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in your child, we recommend bringing them to a paediatric ENT specialist to seek sleep apnea treatment immediately. As a concerned parent, the thought of your child being diagnosed with any disease may be cause for alarm for you. However, let us reassure you that the majority of these paediatric ENT conditions can be easily and effectively managed and treated. 

 

If you notice any of the above signs and symptoms, do not hesitate to consult our paediatric specialist, Dr Ker Liang. Our doctor takes special precautions to ensure the health and well-being of our patients, preventing future complications. Contact our clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr Ker Liang today.

 

References:

Share This Article:

Other Articles

Read On More

A-Parent's-Guide-To-Paediatric-ENT-Care-in-Singapore

A Parent’s Guide To Paediatric ENT Care in Singapore

ENT issues, such as sinusitis, hearing loss, and ear infections, are more common in children. This guide addresses common ENT issues, preventive measures, and when to seek paediatric ENT care. It highlights the significance of early diagnosis and tailored child care. Parents can guarantee the overall health and development of their children by collaborating with paediatric ENT services in Singapore.
sinus-surgery-img

The Ultimate Patients’ Guide to Sinus Surgery in Singapore

Did you know that “sinus conditions”, such as stuffy nose, sniffles, sneezing and the loss of smell, are very common in Singapore? These symptoms can be a red flag that an individual may have a viral infection, allergic rhinitis or rhinosinusitis – the three key causes of nasal obstruction.
Inflamed tonsils at the back of the throat that can be treated with tonsil removal surgery

Tonsil Removal Surgery: Everything You Need To Know About The Procedure

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is usually performed to address sleep-disordered breathing but may also be considered to treat tonsillitis that occurs frequently or does not respond to other treatments. A tonsillectomy may also be necessary to treat breathing and other problems related to enlarged tonsils and to treat rare diseases of the tonsils. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about tonsillectomy, from preparing for the procedure to the recovery process.
Hello! I'd like to inquire about products/services you offer!