When to Bring Your Child to an ENT

Ear, nose and throat concerns are among the top reasons children visit the doctor. This is because children are susceptible to issues like ear infections and food allergies. In addition, certain congenital disabilities, such as cleft palates, must be treated at a young age to prevent complications later on.

Here are some common ENT conditions we treat in children:

EAR INFECTIONS

Most children experience at least one ear infection by age three, and 30% of children have had three or more episodes by this time. Your child’s primary care provider may refer your child to Pinnacle ENT Associates for frequent ear infections. The patient will have a thorough ear examination that may include an otomicroscope, cleaning of the ear canal and a hearing test. Children with chronic ear infections may have a hearing loss that can cause speech delay. Occasionally, frequent ear infections can lead to eardrum perforations and cholesteatomas that can cause permanent hearing loss and life-threatening infections.

NOSEBLEEDS

Chronic nose bleeding, also called epistaxis, is often the result of trauma, dryness or inflammatory disease. Common treatments include the use of saline spray, humidifiers and Vaseline®. See an ENT if nosebleeds continue despite treatments. The ENT can frequently identify the bleeding site and cauterize it in the clinic the same day.

TONSILLITIS

Tonsil infections are most common in children between four and seven years of age. Almost all cases of tonsillitis (85%) are caused by viruses. See an ENT when your child experiences frequent or chronic tonsillitis, when only one tonsil is affected, or when the tonsils become so enlarged they cause difficulties with swallowing or breathing.

SINUS INFECTIONS

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, are often caused by cold, flu, allergies or infections. See an ENT when your child suffers from symptoms that last more than two months or continue to return after treatment.

Our doctors treat ENT disorders in children by working in close collaboration to care for your child’s well-being. Contact us today to request an appointment!