Paediatric Nose & Sinus Conditions
Paediatric nose and sinus conditions are extremely common among children, often causing ongoing discomfort and disruption to their daily lives.
Although symptoms like mouth breathing, snoring, or a frequently blocked nose may seem minor or even normal, they can indicate underlying issues that need attention.
Understanding nose & sinus issues in children
Children are more prone to nasal and sinus issues due to their smaller nasal passages, developing immune systems, and frequent exposure to colds and viruses. Conditions such as enlarged adenoids, swollen nasal turbinates, chronic congestion, and allergies can significantly disrupt normal breathing.
Common causes
Enlarged adenoids
Often the most common cause of chronic nasal obstruction in children, enlarged adenoids can lead to mouth breathing, snoring, and recurrent infections.
Inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Swelling of nasal tissues that filter and warm air can obstruct nasal passages, making breathing difficult.
Allergic rhinitis
Commonly known as hay fever, allergies cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and can exacerbate sinus issues.
Chronic sinus inflammation
Ongoing irritation and swelling within the sinuses may result from allergies, infections, or anatomical factors.
Recurrent infections
Frequent upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, and tonsillitis can lead to chronic nasal blockage.
Structural causes
Rarely, structural issues such as a deviated septum may contribute to nasal obstruction in young children.
How nasal and sinus issues affect children
Chronic nasal blockage and persistent mouth breathing significantly impact children’s health and quality of life. These conditions can cause:
- Poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen intake: Resulting in fatigue, irritability, and behavioural issues.
- Facial and dental development problems: Chronic mouth breathing may lead to crooked teeth, narrow jaws, and altered facial structure.
- Learning and behavioural issues: Poor concentration, memory difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges due to disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation.
- Speech and hearing issues: Persistent nasal congestion and infections increase the risk of hearing loss (glue ear) and speech development delays.
Prompt intervention helps prevent these issues from becoming long-term concerns.
Signs your child may need ENT assessment
Physical and behavioural signs
Be mindful of symptoms such as:
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Restless or poor-quality sleep
- Nasal-sounding voice
- Daytime tiredness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
- Frequent sinus infections, blocked nose, or constant post-nasal drip
When to talk to your GP
Seek further evaluation if your child experiences:
- Symptoms lasting more than three months
- Four or more infections within a year
- Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose
- Mouth breathing combined with regular snoring or disturbed sleep
- Concerns about hearing, speech development, learning, or behaviour
Treatment options for nasal and sinus conditions
Treatment strategies depend on the severity and underlying cause of your child’s symptoms:
- Watchful waiting
Appropriate for mild or temporary conditions. - Management of allergies
Saline nasal rinses and nasal corticosteroid sprays can alleviate symptoms. These sprays often take 2–4 weeks to show full effectiveness, and correct application technique is essential. - Trigger avoidance
Reducing exposure to common allergens like dust mites, pollen, or smoke at home. - Referral to an ENT specialist
Recommended if symptoms persist or worsen despite initial management.
Note: Long-term use of nasal decongestant sprays is not recommended for children.
Procedures offered by Dr Phillips
Dr Nicholas Phillips provides several well-established, commonly performed procedures to effectively manage paediatric nasal and sinus conditions. All procedures are performed under general anaesthetic.
Book a consultation
If your child regularly breathes through their mouth, struggles with sleep, or frequently experiences nasal congestion or throat infections, a consultation with Dr Nicholas Phillips can help identify the cause and discuss the best treatment options.
