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BLOCKED NOSE

In children there are two conditions mainly causing a blocked nose: either they have enlarged adenoids, or rhinitis.

Adenoids, which are small lumps of lymphoid tissue at the back of the nose, are part of the immune system. Adenoids are present mainly in children; they are at their biggest between three and five years of age and start to shrink from the age of seven or eight, most (but not all) disappearing by adulthood.

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Although children have adenoids to help fight infections, they can become swollen or infected themselves, and this can cause problems. First among these is breathing difficulties – a tell-tale sign is if they are mouth breathing; this can cause cracked lips and a dry mouth and can also lead to difficulties sleeping, including sleep apnoea, which can then cause tiredness and irritability during the day.

 

Problems with adenoids can be associated with persistent nasal congestion and discharge, and glue ear causing hearing problems.

If the adenoids are the sole issue, we can perform an adenoidectomy; this only takes 10-15 minutes under a general anaesthetic, and your child can return to school after a week. If the adenoidal problems are associated with other conditions, we may recommend other procedures alongside the adenoidectomy, such as the removal of the tonsils or the insertion of grommets in the ear. Click here for more information on adenoidectomy.

If a child presents with nasal blockage problems, we often have to rule out that they’re not caused by allergies; allergic reactions causes swelling of the lining of the nose. Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can be miserable for children and young people. Typically, they suffer with nasal congestion, a runny nose and watery eyes. Children with allergic reactions are often very susceptible to the many bugs that do the rounds at school and nursery.

Fortunately, we have a range of treatments that can help you manage your child’s condition, including sprays, washes and tablets. We will work with you to see what is most effective for your child so they can enjoy life to the full.

OUR AFFILIATIONS

LOCATIONS

NUFFIELD HOSPITAL

Nuffield Hospital,

Kingswood Rd,

Tunbridge Wells,

TN2 4UL

KIMS HOSPITAL

KIMS Hospital,

Newnham Ct Way,

Weavering,

Maidstone,

ME14 5FT

FOURWAYS DENTAL & AESTHETIC CLINICS

4 Sevenoaks Rd,

Borough Green,

Sevenoaks,

TN15 8BB

SERENITY THERAPIES

Serenity Therapies,

​42 High St,

Tunbridge Wells,

TN1 1XF

Correspondence Address: Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4UL

OTHER TREATMENTS

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