ENT Insights and Blogs

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.

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

Tonsil stones — calcified debris accumulating in the crypts of the tonsils — cause persistent bad breath and a foreign body sensation in the throat that can be difficult to manage at home. For patients with recurrent, symptomatic tonsil stones that do not respond to irrigation or conservative measures, tonsillectomy provides a definitive and permanent solution.