Breathe Easy!
Why It’s Important to See an ENT for Nasal Issues in Kids and Adults?
Whether it’s a stuffy nose that won’t go away or a child who always seems to be mouth breathing, nasal issues can have a huge impact on everyday life. While it’s easy to dismiss symptoms like snoring, congestion or runny noses as “just part of the season,” ignoring them can lead to chronic problems that affect sleep, development, and overall quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to consult an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) like Dr William Mooney, who specialises in diagnosing and treating nasal and sinus conditions in both children and adults.
Recently we spoke to Dr William Mooney who shared his insight and some great tips to help you identify nasal issues, and more importantly, know what to do next!
Why nasal health matters
The nose isn’t just a breathing tool, it filters air, regulates humidity, detects smells, and is the first line of defence against airborne germs. When it’s not functioning properly, it can trigger a range of issues, from poor sleep and fatigue to behavioural problems in children and even long-term respiratory concerns.
Dr William Mooney explains, “Nasal issues often go unnoticed or are normalised, especially in kids. But ongoing congestion, snoring, or constant mouth breathing could point to structural or allergy related problems that need proper assessment and treatment.”
Signs to watch for in kids
Children may not always be able to explain their discomfort, so it’s essential for parents to stay alert to physical and behavioural signs. According to Dr Mooney, here are some key symptoms that warrant a professional ENT assessment:
- Chronic mouth breathing. This can be a much more serious issue and can even affect facial development and speech over time
- Loud or regular snoring, especially if it’s paired with pauses in breathing could mean your child suffers from sleep apnoea
- Frequent nosebleeds or runny noses are something to watch for, particularly if they occur all year round
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent sleep waking, can be a sign of poor nasal airflow.
- Persistent dark circles under the eyes could be a sign of nasal congestion or allergies
- Speech delays or a ‘nasally’ sounding voice, may indicate enlarged adenoids or possible structural issues in the nose
Signs to watch for in adults
Many adults struggle through daily life with underlying nasal problems, assuming they just need to “live with it.” Dr Mooney urges adults to look out for:
- Chronic congestion or sinus pressure could be a sign of sinusitis or nasal polyps
- Frequent headaches or facial pain can often be related to sinus blockages
- Reduced or lost sense of smell can be a serious red flag that something more significant may be going on
- Snoring or disrupted sleep may indicate a deviated septum or even sleep apnoea
- Post nasal drip or chronic throat clearing can be caused by allergies or sinus issues
Why see an ENT?
A specialist ENT like Dr William Mooney can diagnose issues that a regular GP might miss, using tools like nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, or imaging scans. ENT professionals can also recommend non-invasive treatments, prescribe targeted medications, or discuss surgical options if needed. The causes of nasal obstruction may be simply treated with medication such as sprays, and environmental changes. Surgery can also treat common presentations such as deviated septums in adults or enlarged adenoids in kids.
“Seeing a specialist early can prevent complications down the track,” Dr Mooney says. “In kids, it can even support better sleep, school performance, and growth. And for adults, it can dramatically improve energy levels and quality of life.”
If you or your child experience any of the above symptoms, it’s not something to ignore. From allergies and structural issues to infections and sleep disorders, nasal health plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe, book an appointment with a qualified ENT and take the first step towards easier breathing and better living.
Dr William Mooney and his team are dedicated to helping patients of all ages breathe easier, sleep better, and live well.
