Runny Nose in Children and Adults: How To Get Better

Have you wondered why your nose keeps leaking mucus from one or both sides of your nose in Singapore? This commonly happens in both adults and children in Singapore but it isn’t normal. The nose is a highly sensitive sensory organ which can react to different changes around you e.g. temperature and humidity. So when is it time to have your nose checked out by one of the best ENT specialists in Singapore? Read on below to find out when you should worry….

https://www.drannabelle.com/nose-and-sinus-problems-surgeon-children-adults.html

WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT YOUR RUNNY NOSE?

1. IF YOUR NASAL DISCHARGE TENDS TO COME FROM ONE SIDE OF YOUR NOSE

Unilateral or one-sided nasal discharge may happen because there may be growths like polyps inside one nasal passage. Rarely, one-sided nasal discharge may be related to a tumour from the nasal passage or sinuses. Some patients, especially if they have had head trauma, may be leaking brain fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) from the roof of the nose.

In a child with a unilateral runny nose, as top ENT specialists in Singapore, we always worry about a foreign body inside the child’s nose. This could be anything like a toy car, bead or marble. This tends to occur around the ages 2-4. At this age, many children are curious about their surroundings and may stick objects up their nose. The foreign body irritates the nasal lining to secrete more mucus, with risk of it becoming infected.

Some parents may finally decide to bring their child in to see us at ENTcare Clinic in Singapore after noticing a foul smelly odour coming from inside their child’s nose. A unilateral runny nose in a child is a trapped foreign body, until proven otherwise.

2. IF YOUR NASAL DISCHARGE CONTAINS BLOOD STAINS

Then it would be a very good idea to have your nose examined by a top ENT specialist in Singapore. In the Chinese population, especially those of Cantonese origin, there is a higher incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). So it is important to carefully examine the back of the nose with an endoscope, in case you need to have a biopsy.

Other risk factors for NPC or nose cancer, include high dietary intake of salted fish (ham yu), family history of NPC, smoking, alcohol, male gender and previous Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) infection. Bloodstained nasal discharge may occur in a severe sinus infection but NPC should always be ruled out first. Other sinus cancers such as adenocarcinomas, may also give rise to bloodstained nasal secretions. These occur more commonly in workers from the woodwork industry.

3. IF YOUR NASAL DISCHARGE IS THICK, SMELLY OR PURULENT.

Then this may mean an infection brewing deep inside your nose and sinuses. Sometimes, the sinus infection may originate from your teeth as a source. The roots of some molar teeth may extend upwards through the upper gums to sit in the floor of the nasal sinuses. So bacteria from your teeth and mouth may track up into your sinuses to cause a sinus infection or sinusitis.

A CT scan of your sinuses will usually be able to detect whether there is a dental source of your sinus infection. A course of strong antibiotics with nasal medications will clear most sinus infections, although sometimes, if things don’t improve, you might need surgery to drain and washout the trapped infected pus and fluid inside your sinuses. Your dentist may also have to thoroughly check your gums and teeth for any underlying disease or infection.

4. If your runny nose is also associated with sneezing, watery eyes, facial pressure and blocked nose.

Then you may be suffering from uncontrolled nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis). This can be managed well with some medications to help you feel better quickly, rather than to keep suffering the effects of severe allergic rhinitis which often may affect your sleep and ability to work. Severe nasal allergy problems may also be a risk factor for going on to develop a sinus infection, if not properly treated.

So now you understand when to worry about your runny nose: Your nose, sinus and allergy problems may not be as simple as you think! Please see your top ENT specialist in Singapore if you suffer these symptoms.

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