Yes. Loud, persistent snoring in children is not normal and often indicates obstructive sleep apnoea, which can affect your child's growth, learning, and behaviour. The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If the snoring is accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping, or restless sleep, a specialist evaluation is recommended. Related Information: A Parent's Guide to Paediatric Sleep Apnoea
Q: Will my child outgrow sleep apnoea without treatment? A: While some very mild cases may improve as a child grows, most children will not outgrow moderate to severe sleep apnoea. Waiting can lead to impacts on learning, growth, and behaviour. Because the success rate of treatment is highest when addressed early, a specialist assessment is crucial. Related Information: A Parent's Guide to Paediatric Sleep Treatment
Modern paediatric anaesthesia is extremely safe, with serious complications occurring in less than 1 in 10,000 cases. The long-term health risks of untreated sleep apnoea on a child's heart and brain development far exceed the minimal risks of a modern, monitored anaesthetic performed by a specialist paediatric team. Related Information: A Parent's Guide to Paediatric Sleep Treatment
No, this indicates recurrent acute otitis media. The medical criteria for this condition are three or more infections in six months, or four or more in twelve months. This requires specialist evaluation, as it can lead to temporary hearing loss that affects speech development. The most common and effective treatment is grommets surgery, which has a 90-95% success rate in preventing further infections. Related Information: A Parent's Guide to Recurrent Ear Infections
Glue ear is a thick, non-infected fluid behind the eardrum that causes temporary hearing loss. While it often resolves on its own, grommets are recommended when the hearing loss is significant (affecting speech or learning) and persists for more than three months. The surgery is brief, and hearing improvement is usually immediate. Related Information: A Parent's Guide to Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
The current guidelines recommend considering tonsillectomy for seven or more documented infections in one year, five or more per year for two years, or three or more per year for three years. However, factors like the severity of the infections, missed school days, and the impact on your family's quality of life are also very important in the decision. Related Information: A Patient's Guide to Tonsillectomy (Tonsil Removal)
Recovery typically takes 7-10 days. The first 2-3 days involve significant throat pain that is managed with a regular schedule of pain medication. The highest risk of bleeding is around day 5-7 as the scabs fall off. Most children are eating normally and ready to return to school and other activities within two weeks. Related Information: A Patient's Guide to Tonsillectomy (Tonsil Removal)
Nasal congestion lasting more than 12 weeks despite attempts at treatment indicates a chronic condition that should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. A specialist can perform advanced diagnostics like nasal endoscopy to determine the exact cause, whether it's chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or a structural issue. Related Information: Sinusitis Treatment for the Macarthur and Forster Regions
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is recommended when an 8-12 week trial of optimal medical therapy (including nasal steroids and saline irrigation) fails to control your chronic sinusitis symptoms. Surgery is particularly effective if a CT scan or endoscopy shows structural problems like polyps or blocked drainage pathways. Related Information: Sinusitis Treatment for the Macarthur and Forster Regions
While you can book an appointment without one, a referral from your GP is strongly recommended. A referral is necessary to claim the maximum Medicare rebate, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs. It also provides Dr Nguyen with your relevant medical history.
Dr Nguyen practices at three convenient locations: in Liverpool and in Gledswood Hills, and Forster Private Hospital. Appointments for either location can be made by phone or via our online booking system. Referrals can be directly emailed to referrals@drthomasnguyen.com.au
You should seek immediate emergency care for any signs of serious breathing difficulty, an inability to swallow saliva (drooling), a high fever with a stiff neck, or severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure.
