Sinus and nasal problems are common in children and can affect sleep, learning, and overall comfort. Symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, frequent “colds,” coughing, or mouth breathing are often linked to nasal allergies, sinus inflammation, or enlarged adenoids. Understanding the underlying cause helps parents know when symptoms are part of normal childhood illnesses — and when further assessment may be helpful.
Nasal allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, is common in children. It occurs when the lining of the nose reacts to allergens in the environment, leading to ongoing inflammation and irritation.
Nasal allergies often develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is common for a parent or close family member to have a history of asthma, eczema, or nasal allergies.
Children with nasal allergies may also have other allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or itchy eyes, and more than one allergic condition can occur at the same time.
Children with nasal allergies may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Symptoms may be persistent or worsen during certain times of the year, depending on the child’s allergy triggers.
The most common allergy triggers in Singapore include:
If symptoms are persistent or difficult to control, the doctor may recommend allergy testing, such as a skin prick test or blood test, to identify specific sensitivities.
Nasal allergies are diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessment and targeted investigations, depending on your child’s symptoms and age.
An ENT doctor will examine your child’s nose and nasal cavity during the consultation to look for signs of inflammation, swelling, nasal discharge, or structural issues that may be contributing to allergy symptoms.
In some cases, a nasoendoscopy may be performed to allow a more detailed view of the deeper parts of the nose and the back of the nasal passage, including the adenoids. This is a quick procedure done in the clinic using an anaesthetic nasal spray, does not require fasting or special preparation, and is generally well tolerated by children.
Allergy testing may be recommended to identify specific allergens triggering your child’s symptoms. Identifying the underlying triggers allows treatment to be more targeted and helps guide long-term allergy management.
While it may not be possible to eliminate allergens completely, reducing exposure can help improve symptoms.
Common recommendations include:
These measures are especially helpful for children with dust mite allergies.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they affect your child’s daily activities, including sleep, school, and play.
Most children start with medical management, which may include:
These medications are usually most effective when used consistently over time, rather than only during symptom flare-ups.
For children with severe or persistent symptoms that do not respond adequately to standard treatment, immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation) may be considered to reduce sensitivity to allergens over time.
In some cases, medical treatment alone may not be enough to relieve nasal obstruction or improve breathing. Surgical options include:
These procedures are typically minimally invasive and aim to improve airflow, reduce nasal symptoms, and improve your child’s overall comfort and quality of life.
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Parents may consider an ENT review if their child:
Early assessment helps guide appropriate treatment and reduce long-term discomfort.
Medical Director, Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon
Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon
Disclaimer:
The information on the The Children’s Eye & ENT Centre website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.