3 Mt Elizabeth, #16-11 Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510. Tel: +65 65860988. WhatsApp: 6598277186. Enquiry@ENTDoctor.com.sg
Children ENT Problems
Children often have a significant level of Ear, Nose, Throat and Upper Respiratory problems. Because of their inability to vocalise , often the symptoms are neglected till they flare up into severe infections. While these are treated at the time, failure to address the underlying conditions may, lead to persistent or frequent recurences of the problems.
“My child is having a flu all the time” or “My child needs to visit the doctor every other week”
These may be common comments made by parents in the play-group and kindergarten age. Hearing difficulty may be undiagnosed leading to learning impairment in this age group. Asthma cases are also higher when the recurring allergies and infections are not controlled.
At our centre, we are experienced with dealing with children and their needs.
Allergies
Allergies are fairly common. Both genes and environmental factors play a role in its development.
The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It also reacts to foreign substances called allergens, which are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.
In an individual with an allergy, the body over reacts to a specific allergen and symptoms occur. They include
- Breathing problems (coughing, shortness of breath)
- Burning, tearing, or itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hives
- Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area
- Runny nose
- Skin Rashes
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Amongst the diseases that affect children, allergies is one of the commonest. It may manifest as eczema when they are in infancy and progress on to rhinitis (nose), asthma (lungs) to conjunctivitis (eyes). Because of its myriad manifestation, allergies may be missed.
If left untreated, allergic rhinitis (runny nose) can lead to increased risk of asthma. Studies have shown that children with allergies are poorer performers in their academic and school work. In our highly competitive society this may have a profound effect. Typically, allergies leads to poor quality of sleep and concentration.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (“Sinus”)
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose. Allergic rhinitis denotes inflammation caused by allergies. It is often referred to as “Sinus” by the public. This is typically caused by environmental factors such as house dust mites, pollens, dogs and cats danders.
Symptoms include
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose or Watery Nose
- Blocked Nose
- Mouth Breathing, Snoring, Noisy Breathing, Poor Sleep, Poor Concentration
- Itch Nose, Twitching of the nose and eyes due to itch
- Asthma
- Chronic Cough
Many have the impression that allergies cannot be treated. This is not true. With appropriate management, Allergies can be well controlled and even cured.
Allergy Development
The development of allergies is influenced by genes and the environment.
If one parent has allergies, the risk to their child is 25%. If both parents have allergies, the risk is 50%.
Environment and diet plays a significant part in allergy development. The prevalence of allergies has risen over the centuries with industrialisation. Look around us, more children you know of today has allergies compared to our parents’ and grandparents’ time.
Food and exposure to pollutants, dust mites, pets’ dander (the dry skin and saliva that remains on the pet after it licks itself) and pollens can trigger allergy. It has been shown that people living near major highways has a higher occurrence of allergies compared to those living several streets away from the highway suggesting fossil fuel pollution has an influence. Similarly the same has been observed with cigarette smoke.
It is important to try and identify the source of the allergy. A skin or blood test can help us identify the source of the allergy.
Diagnosis of Allergies
Blood tests testing for IgE to specific allergens are used to determine if an individual is allergic to dust mites, dogs, cats, pollens and others. About 2 ml of the blood is required.
These test determine immediate type allergy. Medications do not affect the result of the blood tests. Blood tests testing for IgE to specific allergens are used to determine if an individual is allergic to dust mites, dogs, cats, pollens and others. About 2 ml of the blood is required.
Skin Prick Test
A small drop of allergens is introduced onto the skin usually in the forearm or back (in infants). A sharp plastic stillet is used to introduce a small amount of the allergen into the skin. No blood is drawn with this techique and is suitable in adults and children. The test can be read in 2 minutes.
Patch Test
This is used to determine contact type allergy. The suspected contact allergen is introduced onto the skin and an adhesive is placed over this and left for 48 hours. The result is read at that time.
Food Allergy Test (Intradermal Allergy Test)
Food allergy can be immediate or delayed. Immediate Allergy is easy to diagnose as it manifest within minutes to hours of food ingestion. Delayed allergy may take up to days before it manifest. Hence one may not link a particular food to the symptoms that the individual exhibits.
Intradermal Food Test is used to determine delayed food allergy. A small amount of the suspected food is introduced into the skin and its reaction is observed.
Allergies Treatment
Most allergies can be treated for Adults and Children.
Some of the best ways to treat allergies are:
Avoidance
If one is allergic to say shellfish, then abstinence from that food will prevent symptoms from occurring. If the allergens are found in the environment like dust mites, pet danders or pollens, then measures to avoid exposure will decrease symptoms
Medications
If avoidance cannot eliminate the symptoms or is not possible, then medications can help minimise symptoms. Common medications include antihistamines, nasal sprays, asthma medications, steroid creams and oral steroids.
- Medications, however, control the symptoms but do not cure the allergy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a targeted treatment for boosting the immunity against specific allergens, can reduce or eliminate the allergic symptoms.
This works like a vaccine and over a period of time, the individual develops a protection against the allergens.
This is effective against environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet danders and pollens. It is effective in allergies of the nose, eyes, allergic asthma and some eczema.
Preventing Food Allergies in Children
Food allergies can be mild, like eczema, to life threatening allergic reactions. To decrease the chances of developing a food allergy, it is recommended that babies are breast fed for four to six months. If this is not possible, then use a hypoallergenic milk formula.
For weaning, use single-ingredient infant foods and introduce one at a time. This allows the caregiver or parent to identify problem food.
Certain foods that are known to cause allergies such as cow’s milk, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts are best avoided till the child is one year old.
Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation is not effective in minimising the child’s development of allergies.
Preventing Environmental Allergies
Reducing exposure in early life may delay or prevent the development of allergies and asthma symptoms. Keeping the environment clean, using high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) type air filters, removing carpets and stuffed toys from your kid’s room can help lower exposure and symptoms.
Pets should not be allowed in the child’s room.
Reduce exposure to tobacco smoke.
If your child is frequently sick, do consider that an allergy may be one of the underlying causes. Consult a doctor that has an interest in allergies, such as an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or paediatrician, to further assess your child.
Centre For Ear Nose Throat Allergy & Snoring
3 Mt Elizabeth
#16-11 Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Tel: +65 65860988
What’sApp: 6598277186
Enquiry@ENTDoctor.com.sg
ExcellentBased on 157 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Christina Ho2024-06-16I've been seeing Dr Pang since Dec'23 for loud ringing noises in one of my ears. Unlike most other specialist clinics, I didn't have to wait long to be seen for each appointment. Whenever specific medical tests were required, all tests were arranged by the clinic, reducing much anxiety and stress. Tests were carried out punctually and efficiently, within the clinic, doing away with the hassle of searching around the hospital for the location of the testing departments. After the tests, the reports were all sent to me via Whatsapp, which made things really convenient. Dr Pang has listened patiently to all the symptoms and problems I've mentioned regarding the ear issues. With the treatment advised, I've found that the prescribed medication has not only helped me cope better with the ringing noises, but I've gradually experienced improvements in my overall physical well-being.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Manuel Hall2024-06-11My sinus problems were solved in 1 week, the way the doctor managed the symptoms and the treatment was very effective.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
jing wang2024-06-10This time, I accompanied my child to check her nasal cavity. Dr. Pang was gentle, patient and meticulous in reducing the child's fear.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Raymond Lee2024-06-04Dr Pang is a very professional specialist in ENT, I visited him twice, last year is about my ear tinnitus, did and MRI and everything is good, this time is for my nose. Dr Pang is patience to explain everything to me. I will definitely recommend Dr pang to anyone who need.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Raeanne Ang2024-05-21Thanks to Dr Pang I have been able to get rid of nasal congestion and deal with allergies that have been affecting my quality of life for many yearsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Phil L2024-05-07Doctor Pang was approachable and knowledgeable. He very quickly understood and explained my problems and recommended a holistic treatment plan. I have experienced amazing results thus far just one month into treatment.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Toh Kai Sheng Edwin2024-05-02Was suffering from bad vertigo and constant dizziness. Visited Dr Pang and the condition has improved significantly.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
aki menyanan2024-04-30I recomend the doctor to people with allergies. He is very patient and friendly when talking. He succesfully helped my daughter with her allergies. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Michiko. H2024-04-30I've had very bad allergies to dust mites and often getting runny nose and sneezing. Dr. Pang gave us the correct medication that has helped me cure my allergies. Not only that, he is also very friendly while talking and is very intelligent when giving us medication.