When to See a Pediatric ENT
Has your child ever been to an ear, nose, and throat doctor? Statistics show ENT visits account for one of the top reasons children visit their physician, with ear infections claiming the No. 1 reason, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. This Kids ENT Health Month, learn about some of the most common ENT procedures for pediatric patients and when you should bring your child to an ENT specialist.
What Is an ENT Doctor?
Also known as otolaryngologists, ENT doctors treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses that affect the head and neck — namely, the ears, nose, and throat as well as the sinus cavities connecting the three. ENT doctors are simultaneously medical doctors and surgeons, meaning they’re uniquely qualified to diagnose conditions and illnesses and treat them surgically.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ENT doctors’ qualifications include at least four years of medical school plus a one-year surgical internship, one year of residency training in general surgery, and at least three to four years of residency in otolaryngology and head/neck surgery. Additionally, pediatric ENTs often complete additional fellowships at children’s medical centers.
Common Pediatric ENT Procedures
The list of procedures performed by ENT doctors is wide and can encompass many conditions affecting the head, neck, and sinuses. Some of the most common surgical procedures for pediatric patients include the following:
- Tonsillectomy — A very common procedure, a tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils due to chronic infections, also known as tonsillitis. Children are placed under general anesthesia and the tonsils are cut, burned, or shaved away by the doctor while the patient is asleep. Children often return home the same day — hospital stays are rare — but complete recovery can take anywhere from one to two weeks.
- Ear tube insertion — Also known as tympanostomy, an ear tube insertion is when a doctor inserts a small tube into the eardrum to reduce the risk of ear infections. Children are placed under general anesthesia, after which the doctor will make a small incision in the eardrum, through which built-up fluid is removed and a small tube is inserted, allowing air to pass through and equalizing the pressure on both sides. Ear tubes are usually prescribed for children who experience chronic fluid buildup or ear infections.
- Adenoidectomy — Usually performed at the same time as a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoid glands, which are located behind the nose and above the roof of the mouth. Adenoids perform the same function as the tonsils — trapping germs and bacteria to prevent infection — but may become chronically infected and swollen themselves, at which point doctors may recommend removing them.
- Eardrum repair — Eardrum repair is when an ENT doctor repairs tears or ruptures to the eardrum. Such damage may be caused by ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, or insertion of foreign objects into the ear canal or other trauma. Small repairs (myringoplasty) may take 10-30 minutes, but larger repairs (tympanoplasty) can take 2-3 hours.
- Tongue and lip tie repair — Also called frenectomy or frenulectomy, tongue and lip tie repairs remove the connective tissue between the tongue and the floor of the mouth or the lip and the gums, which can limit mobility of the tongue or lips. In infants, this can result in difficulties while nursing. ENT doctors will simply cut or snip the connective tissue, which results in minimal discomfort for the child.
Common Pediatric ENT Procedures
Many children can be treated by a primary care physician or family doctor for mild sinus issues. However, frequent or recurring conditions may require a referral to an ENT doctor. According to Healthline, any of the following issues may warrant a visit to an ENT doctor:
- Frequent runny nose, congestion, or sinus pressure
- Chronic infections such as sinus infections, ear infections, strep throat
- Frequent dizziness or vertigo
- Trouble hearing
- Persistent hoarseness or wheezing
- Trouble swallowing
- Lump or bump in the face or neck
- Trouble sleeping
Care for your kids’ senses — Dr. Paul Conrad is an ENT specialist who sees patients on the fourth Wednesday each month at the Culbertson Specialty Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call (217) 322-5271.