Nasal congestion is a common problem in children and might be overlooked by parents. Yeditepe University Hospitals Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists pointed out that if the underlying disease that causes nasal congestion is not treated, different problems may arise.
The most common causes of nasal congestion in children include allergy, flu infection, and adenoid growth. This situation, which is seen as a simple problem and sometimes not noticed, can pave the way for many problems in children from growth retardation to learning difficulties. For this reason, ENT specialists at Yeditepe University Hospitals pointed out that the underlying problem should be diagnosed, and the necessary treatment should be performed.
The inability to properly provide airflow from the nose and the inability to perform the functions of the nose can also pave the way for infections, and often cause inflammation of the sinuses and the development of infections in nasal obstructions.
Correct Diagnosis Brings Quick Solution
When the causes of nasal obstructions at all ages are analyzed, it is seen that the most common factor in children between the ages of 3-8 is the growth of the adenoids. According to the information given by ENT Diseases specialists at Yeditepe University Hospitals, the adenoid starts to grow during this period and shrinks after the age of 12. Therefore, adenoid inflammation often occurs in children before they start to tend to shrink. Stating that they primarily resort to antibiotic treatment in nasal congestion and infection due to adenoids, the specialists said, "In some of our patients, we can observe the development of infection again a few days after the antibiotic treatment is over. Then the best decision is to resort to surgical methods."
Long Lasting Infection May Cause Speech Impairment
As a result of the growth of the adenoid, the middle ear pressure increases with the effect of the eustachian tube between the middle ear and the adenoid. Stating that the pressure change in the middle ear also causes middle ear infection in children, Yeditepe University Hospitals ENT Diseases specialists gave the following information: "Prolonged middle ear infection affects the child's hearing, and the child starts to have difficulty hearing over time. However, speech disorders can also be seen because it is difficult to distinguish sounds. If the middle ear infection is accompanied by an infection or allergy-related size of the adenoids, the child is unable to make the right sound and speaks through the adenoid."
Genetic Factors Are Effective in Allergies
In addition to adenoid growth, another common cause of nasal congestion is allergy. In children with an allergic structure, the swollen intranasal structure with the allergen can cause sinusitis, throat infections, and intranasal infections. When the allergy problem cannot be solved, specialists point out that the problem usually turns into chronic sinusitis and say, "In the evaluation of children with allergies, we usually find a history of allergies in their parents. If the mother and father have a history of allergies, the child is also likely to develop allergies. With the treatments applied for allergies, the child can relax and return to their normal life."
Difficulty Breathing Affects a Child's Development
Stating that the long duration of nasal congestion affects the sleep quality of children, Yeditepe University Hospitals Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases Specialists explained the following about other problems that this situation may cause: "Children who cannot sleep soundly begin to develop problems such as distraction, somnolence, and irritability. As this situation negatively affects social life, success in school decreases, and social dialogues may be disrupted. Nasal congestion brings along a loss of appetite. The child has difficulty getting enough food, and their development slows down as their sleep patterns deteriorate. The child, who cannot breathe through the nose, sleeps with their mouth open for oxygen. Since this situation seriously affects dental health, more serious problems may arise from the child's jaw structure to face development."
Beware of Children Who Do Not Recover
It is necessary to pay attention to nasal problems in children who often have upper and lower respiratory tract disease in the spring and winter months. Noting that the recovery of children with an undiagnosed adenoid problem or nasal anomaly takes a long time and that the disease is frequently seen, the specialists stated, "Diagnosis and treatment with a good examination and a simple imaging method relieve both the child and the families."
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