Paediatric ENT Singapore — Specialist Ear, Nose & Throat Care for Children
Children's ENT concerns are a major priority for parents. Common issues range from persistent ear infections and glue ear to snoring and enlarged tonsils. These conditions can significantly impact a child's sleep, hearing, and early development.
Dr Vyas Prasad offers specialist paediatric care, with global experience including Great Ormond Street Hospital. He provides thorough, gentle assessments for children from infancy through the teenage years, ensuring a reassuring experience for every family.
Why Paediatric ENT Matters
Children are not simply small adults. Their airways and immune systems differ from adults, making specialized care essential for their development. Untreated hearing loss or sleep-disordered breathing can deeply affect a child's speech, growth, behavior, and school performance. Early specialist assessment provides the clear, expert guidance needed to protect your child's well-being and long-term quality of life.
Ear Conditions in Children
Recurrent Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Middle ear infections are common in young children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel from the nose and throat, causing pain, fever, and hearing loss.
When infections become frequent or impact hearing, grommets may be considered. These tiny ventilation tubes are placed during a short procedure to help clear fluid, restore hearing, and reduce future infections.
Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
Glue ear is a buildup of thick fluid behind the eardrum. You might notice your child turning up the television or not responding to their name, as it creates a muffled or fluctuating hearing loss.
While many cases resolve on their own, persistent glue ear can lead to speech delays. A specialist assessment helps determine if watchful waiting or a procedure like grommet insertion is the best next step.
Hearing Loss in Children
Early identification of hearing loss is vital for speech development. We work closely with audiologists to provide formal assessments if your child seems to struggle with repetition or falls behind in school tasks.
Nose & Throat Conditions in Children
Enlarged Tonsils & Adenoids
Large tonsils and adenoids are a common cause of snoring, mouth breathing, disturbed sleep, and obstructive sleep apnoea in children. Adenoids can also contribute to recurrent ear infections by blocking the Eustachian tube.
Adenotonsillectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids) is a common, well-tolerated operation for children with sleep-disordered breathing, frequent tonsillitis, or adenoid-related ear problems. Most children recover within one to two weeks.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Repeated bouts of tonsillitis cause high fever, severe throat pain, and missed school. Tonsillectomy is usually considered when infections are frequent and significantly affecting a child’s daily life and family routine.
Blocked Nose & Mouth Breathing
A constantly blocked nose makes children breathe through their mouth, which can affect sleep, dental health, and facial growth. Enlarged adenoids are the most common cause, but allergies and nasal polyps can also play a role. Nasal endoscopy helps identify the cause and guide treatment.
Allergic Rhinitis in Children
In Singapore’s humid climate, house dust mite allergy often causes blocked nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and poor sleep in children. Treatment usually includes allergen reduction, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines. ENT review is helpful when symptoms are persistent, hard to control, or linked with sinus or ear problems.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing & Paediatric Sleep Apnoea
Snoring in children is not normal and should not be ignored. If a child snores most nights, breathes through their mouth, or has pauses in breathing during sleep, sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnoea may be present.
Possible consequences
- Impaired growth — growth hormone is released mainly during deep sleep
- Behavioural changes and hyperactivity — sometimes mistaken for ADHD
- Poor concentration and underperformance at school
- Bedwetting beyond the expected age
- Morning headaches
How we assess and treat this
Adenotonsillectomy resolves sleep-disordered breathing in most children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Assessment may include a sleep questionnaire, clinical examination, and, where needed, an overnight sleep study.
Head & Neck Conditions in Children
Neck Lumps in Children
Neck lumps in children are usually benign. Most are reactive lymph nodes responding to infections in the throat or upper airway. Congenital cysts (such as thyroglossal duct cysts and branchial cysts) are another common cause and often feel like smooth, painless swellings in the middle or side of the neck. Any lump that lasts more than two to three weeks, is growing, or is linked with other symptoms should be checked.
Congenital Conditions
Some children are born with conditions affecting the airway, ears, or head and neck. These include laryngomalacia (a floppy voice box causing noisy breathing in infants), choanal atresia, and branchial arch anomalies. These often need early specialist assessment. Dr Prasad has experience managing these conditions and can coordinate care with paediatric teams when needed.
What to Expect at a Paediatric ENT Consultation
Dr Prasad takes a calm, child-friendly approach to assessment. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child throughout the visit.
Assessment is adapted to your child’s age and cooperation level and may include:
- A detailed history about symptoms, how long they have been present, and how they affect your child’s daily life and development
- Examination of the ears, nose, and throat using age-appropriate techniques to keep your child at ease
- Nasal endoscopy where indicated and tolerated
- Hearing assessment or referral for formal audiometry if hearing loss is a concern
Where surgery is recommended, Dr Prasad will explain the procedure clearly, discuss what to expect, and answer all questions before any decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children have ENT surgery?
Many paediatric ENT procedures — including grommet insertion, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy — are routinely performed from around 18 months of age onwards, depending on clinical indication and fitness for anaesthesia. Dr Prasad will advise on the appropriate timing based on your child's specific situation.
How do I know if my child has a hearing problem?
In young children, signs include not responding to their name, delayed speech milestones, turning up the television, or frequently saying 'what?'. In older children, look out for underperformance at school, difficulty following instructions in noise, and social withdrawal. A hearing test (arranged through your GP or ENT clinic) is the most reliable way to assess hearing.
Does my child need to be sedated for ENT examination?
Most ENT examinations — including ear examination and flexible nasolaryngoscopy — can be performed in an awake, cooperative child with gentle technique and appropriate preparation. Where examination under anaesthetic is necessary for diagnosis or treatment, this will be discussed and planned carefully.
Is snoring in children something to worry about?
Regular snoring in children — particularly if accompanied by mouth breathing, restless sleep, witnessed pauses in breathing, or daytime behavioural changes — should be assessed. It is often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids and is very treatable. Untreated sleep-disordered breathing can have significant effects on growth, behaviour, and learning.
How long is recovery after tonsillectomy in children?
Most children recover within ten to fourteen days. The first week involves throat discomfort and a soft diet. Pain is managed with regular paracetamol and ibuprofen. It is important for children to eat and drink through the recovery period to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of bleeding. Full return to school and normal activities is usually possible within two weeks.
Dr Vyas Prasad consults at Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard, #09-08, Singapore. Contact the clinic by WhatsApp or phone to arrange an appointment.
