ENT Insights and Blogs

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers in Chinese men in Southeast Asia. Haemoptysis — coughing up blood — can be the first and only symptom of NPC, and is frequently misattributed to the lungs or throat. The nasopharynx cannot be seen without specialist equipment — a normal GP or general examination does not exclude a nasopharyngeal tumour EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) blood titres are a key diagnostic and monitoring tool in NPC.

Adenotonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure in children to help treat infections, glue ear and snoring and sleep apnea

Persistent snoring in children is not normal — it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects growth, behaviour, concentration, and cardiovascular health if left unaddressed. Adenotonsillectomy is the most effective first-line treatment for most children with OSA caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, resolving or significantly improving sleep-disordered breathing in the majority of cases.

A blocked nose, constant sneezing, itchy eyes — many people put up with these symptoms for years, assuming it is just how they are. In Singapore, where house dust mite allergens are present year-round, allergic rhinitis is one of the most common conditions I see in clinic. Yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed — and undertreated. Yet it remains significantly underdiagnosed.

The maxillary sinuses are the largest of the four sinus pairs and the most commonly affected in sinusitis — causing cheekbone pressure, nasal blockage, and tooth pain that is frequently misattributed to dental problems. Dr Vyas Prasad explains the causes, including the underrecognised dental connection, how maxillary sinusitis is diagnosed, and when surgery is the right next step.

Head and neck cancer encompasses malignancies of the throat, voice box, mouth, nose, salivary glands, and neck lymph nodes. In Singapore, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is particularly prevalent, especially in men of Chinese ethnicity. Key warning signs include a persistent neck lump, hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, a mouth ulcer that won't heal, and one-sided nasal or ear symptoms. Treatment combines surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy depending on cancer type and sta

Loss of smell after COVID-19 occurs because the virus damages the supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium rather than simply blocking the nose — which is why it can persist long after the infection resolves. Smell training started early gives the best chance of recovery, and for persistent cases beyond six months, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy injected directly into the olfactory niche is available at Absolute ENT, Singapore.

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, equalising pressure and draining fluid. When it fails to open, the result is blocked, muffled, or pressured ears — especially noticeable during flights or after a cold. This is one of the most common ENT complaints. Treatment options range from nasal sprays to balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube.

A deviated nasal septum — where the cartilage dividing the nose is off-centre — is extremely common and in most people causes no symptoms. When it causes persistent nasal obstruction affecting breathing, sleep, or exercise, surgical correction (septoplasty) performed entirely through the nostrils can provide lasting improvement.

ENT problems in children can be subtle and are often mistaken for other issues. Common conditions include glue ear, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, recurrent ear infections, and speech delay related to hearing. This post helps parents understand which signs warrant an ENT assessment. Written from the perspective of a consultant with both clinical and personal experience as a parent.

Snoring is extremely common, but it is not always harmless. When snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing, unrefreshing sleep, or significant daytime fatigue, it may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea — a condition where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, reducing blood oxygen and placing long-term strain on the cardiovascular system. ENT assessment identifies where and why the airway is obstructing, and guides treatment that is matched to the underlying

Persistent smell loss — particularly following COVID-19 — occurs because the olfactory receptor neurons are damaged rather than simply blocked, meaning decongestants and nasal sprays are not sufficient. At Absolute ENT in Singapore, Dr Vyas Prasad offers a structured treatment approach including olfactory retraining and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection directly into the olfactory niche for patients who have not recovered after six months.