Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues in Children

Dr. Michael Burnett Specializes in Problems of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses and Throat.

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

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Ear, nose, and throat issues in children often occur because those areas of the body are yet to be fully developed, which can prevent proper functioning.

Moreover, lack of full ENT region development can affect children’s general health due to weaker immunity and they can be more susceptible to diseases and infections. These infections can grow within the body and cause health issues in children.

Ear Nose and Throat Issues in Children
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It’s essential for adults to understand the various ENT issues children may face so they can get immediate medical care. The following are among the most common ENT issues that children may face.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are among the most popular ear diseases in children. Studies indicate five in six children face ear infections during their early development stages.

There’s a wide variety of ear infections that children might face, but otitis media or middle ear infection is the most persistent one in children.

The ear infections can travel up from the respiratory tract to the Eustachian tube, which can cause fever, pain, nausea, and even hearing loss in extreme cases. Oral antibiotic medicines can help with these symptoms, but the infections are to blame.

Moreover, older children may develop fluid behind their eardrums, which causes extreme pain, pressure, and discomfort.

The allergies can also increase the mucus produced in the nasal area, causing a post-nasal drip.

Sinusitis

This ENT issue in children occurs because it is a maxillary sinus, and its symptoms include discharge, cough, and nasal blockage. The symptoms of the disease might seem very simple, but children’s conditions can exacerbate if not treated on time.

These symptoms are common among young children, but if they occur consistently, they could be due to an infection.

Before the ENT specialist begins treatment, they must determine the exact type of infection. You should consult with an ENT professional to help diagnose the exact medical conditions the child faces.

Common Cold

Children develop common colds all year long before for various reasons, but climatic change and ENT infections are primary causes.

The extent and severity of the common cold may vary among children because their bodies react to conditions differently.

However, cough, increased mucus production, and blocked noses are the most common conditions among children. The threats of a common cold have become more severe over the years because a strep throat or a sinus infection might be a COVID-19 symptom.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consult an ENT specialist and determine the cause of common cold symptoms.

Most common colds can be treated at home if the symptoms are mild and the child faces a few issues. However, children that run a 101-degree fever for 72 hours or more need immediate medical attention.

Common Ear Nose and Throat Issues in Children
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Sore Throat

Two common throat problems in children include tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Pharyngitis impacts the throat, but tonsillitis affects the tonsils. Both these health conditions can cause inflammation in the throat area.

While anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate discomfort, a sore throat can be an infection, making it difficult for children to go about their daily routines.