Paediatric ENT
Ear, Nose and Throat Care for Children in Singapore
Children commonly experience ear, nose and throat conditions, particularly in their early years when their immune systems are still developing. While many childhood illnesses resolve on their own, some symptoms may persist, recur frequently or begin to affect hearing, breathing, sleep or speech development.
Paediatric ENT focuses on evaluating these concerns carefully and guiding families on appropriate treatment options.
Ear Conditions in Children
Ear problems are among the most common reasons children are referred for ENT assessment.
Recurrent Ear Infections
Repeated middle ear infections may cause ear pain, fever and temporary hearing reduction. Some children experience several infections within a year, especially during preschool years.
While many outgrow this tendency, frequent infections may warrant further evaluation to reduce discomfort and prevent longer-term hearing effects.
Persistent Middle Ear Fluid
Fluids may remain trapped behind the eardrum even after an infection settles. This condition, sometimes referred to as glue ear, can cause muffled hearing and may affect speech development if it persists for several months.
Children may appear inattentive or frequently increase the volume of electronic devices.
Hearing Concerns
Hearing difficulties may present subtly. Delayed speech, unclear pronunciation or difficulty following instructions can be early signs. A structured hearing assessment helps determine whether the issue is related to infection, fluid or another underlying cause.
Nose and Sinus Conditions in Children
Nasal symptoms are common and may significantly affect sleep and daily comfort.
Allergic Rhinitis
Children with allergies (allergic rhinitis) may experience ongoing nasal congestion, sneezing, an itchy nose and watery discharge. Persistent nasal blockage can lead to mouth breathing, dry lips and restless sleep. Identifying allergy triggers can help reduce long-term symptoms.
Enlarged Adenoids
The adenoids are lymphoid tissues located behind the nose and are naturally larger in young children. When significantly enlarged, they can obstruct nasal airflow, causing snoring, mouth breathing, nasal sounding speech or recurrent ear and sinus infections.
Recurrent Sinus Infections
Older children may develop repeated sinus infections characterised by nasal discharge, facial pressure, chronic cough or prolonged cold symptoms lasting beyond ten days. Persistent sinus inflammation may require targeted treatment.
Recurrent Nosebleeds
Some children experience frequent nosebleeds, often from irritation of delicate blood vessels inside the nose. While most are minor, recurrent episodes may benefit from assessment to identify contributing factors such as dryness or inflammation.
Dr. Ong Yew Kwang
Senior Consultant ENT Specialist & Rhinologist
Dr Ong Yew Kwang is an experienced ENT specialist with over 20 years of clinical practice. He graduated with honours from Trinity College, University of Dublin and completed ENT specialist training in 2008, earning the gold medal in the national exit examination. He later undertook subspecialty fellowship training in Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA.
Before entering private practice, Dr Ong served as Senior Consultant and Director of Clinical Service at the National University Hospital (NUH), where he co-led the endoscopic skull base programme. He also holds a Master of Medicine in Sleep Medicine and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Allergy.
Throat and Tonsil Conditions
Throat-related problems often present with infection, airway obstruction or swallowing concerns.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
Frequent throat infections may cause significant discomfort and missed school days. Children may experience repeated episodes of fever, sore throat and difficulty swallowing. If infections occur several times per year, further evaluation may be appropriate.
Enlarged Tonsils
Enlarged tonsils can narrow the airway and contribute to habitual snoring or disturbed sleep. In more significant cases, breathing pauses during sleep may occur and affect daytime concentration and behaviour.
Tonsil Stones
Although more common in adolescents, some children may develop tonsil stones, particularly in the setting of chronic tonsillar inflammation. These may cause bad breath or a sensation of something stuck in the throat.
Airway and Sleep Related Concerns
Healthy sleep is essential for growth and development. Children with airway narrowing may present with habitual snoring, restless sleep, sweating at night or mouth breathing.
In some cases, pauses in breathing during sleep may suggest obstructive sleep apnoea. Early recognition allows appropriate management to support healthy sleep patterns.
Diagnosis With a Paediatric ENT Specialist
Healthy sleep is essential for growth and development. Children with airway narrowing may present with habitual snoring, restless sleep, sweating at night or mouth breathing.
In some cases, pauses in breathing during sleep may suggest obstructive sleep apnoea. Early recognition allows appropriate management to support healthy sleep patterns.
The aim is to determine whether symptoms require observation, medical treatment or surgical intervention.
Paediatric ENT Solutions
Many paediatric ENT conditions respond well to medication, nasal sprays, allergy management or monitoring over time.
In selected cases, procedures may be advised, such as grommet insertion for persistent middle ear fluid, adenoidectomy for significant nasal obstruction or tonsillectomy for recurrent infections or sleep-related breathing problems.
Any decision regarding surgery is made carefully after discussing expected benefits, recovery and potential risks with parents.
Supporting Your Child’s Care
Children generally recover well from ENT procedures. Most return to school and normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on the procedure performed. Parents are provided with clear guidance on post-treatment care and signs to monitor during recovery.
Guiding You Through Your Child’s ENT Care
If your child is experiencing persistent ear, nose or throat symptoms, early evaluation can provide clarity and reassurance.
We welcome you to arrange a consultation for a detailed assessment and discussion of suitable treatment options tailored to your child’s needs.
Appointments are available for assessment and second opinions.