There will be several times during your child’s life when they’ll require the care of an expert ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. Knowing what services ENTs offer and when your child needs care from a specialist will help ensure your child will start feeling better faster. Below we review the top three reasons children need to be seen by ENTs.
Your Child Has Allergies
In many cases, allergy symptoms are mistaken for those of a common cold. Common symptoms after visiting outdoor spaces like Piedmont Park include:
- Runny nose.
- Congestion.
- Cough.
- Sneezing.
- Itchiness.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Hives.
At an ENT clinic, you can find allergy specialists that perform allergy testing to determine what exactly is triggering your child’s symptoms, counsel you on how to avoid allergens and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Your Child Gets Frequent Ear Infections
Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their children to the doctors’ office. An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear due to inflammation, usually caused by a cold or allergies. This fluid then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
In many cases, ear infections clear up on their own or can be treated with antibiotics. However, for chronic or recurring ear infections, ear tubes may be recommended. Ear tubes are small metal or plastic tubes that are surgically inserted into the eardrum to allow fluid to drain. They are placed by ENT physicians in the clinic.
Your Child Snores
Snoring is usually the sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment, like allergies or sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by a blockage in the upper airway that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. In children, this can lead to behavioral problems and trouble in school, among other issues.
Usually sleep apnea in children is caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. An ENT physician can assess the situation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. For more information about our pediatric ENT services or to schedule an appointment with an expert ear, nose and throat physician, call ENT of Georgia today.