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Pediatric ENT

At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, our pediatric specialists provide comprehensive and compassionate care for children and offer a full range of Pediatric ENT services and treatments designed specifically for infants, children, and adolescents. Their team of experts has advanced training in pediatric ENT, allowing them to provide the best possible care for their young patients. The experienced staff takes a specialized approach to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that each child receives the most effective and individualized care available. Ear infections, sore throats, hearing and speech disorders, airways and sinus problems, as well as tumors of the head and neck, require thorough evaluation and treatment. With a commitment to excellence, Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy is committed to delivering the highest quality of care for their pediatric patients.

Table Of Contents

Best Pediatric ENT treatments
What are the most common types of pediatric ENT disorders in children?
Pediatric Symptoms FAQ’s

Best Pediatric ENT treatments

Who we are

When procedures are required to help your child, we consistently utilize advanced technology to provide an effective, minimally-invasive approach. At the Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, we aim to treat your child with all of the care and compassion of a parent.

Pediatric ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctors treat children who have ear infections, sinus problems, allergies, asthma, tonsillitis, laryngitis, language disorders, neck disorders, sleep disorders, and many other conditions. They may also perform surgery on babies’ ears and noses.

They’re trained to recognize when a child needs medical treatment, and they can diagnose illnesses quickly and effectively. Pediatric ENT doctors work closely with pediatricians and family physicians to ensure that kids receive proper care and whether they might need surgical care too.

What are the most common types of pediatric ENT disorders in children?

Common ENT conditions for children include illness and allergies. They’re exposed to different types of germs when they go to daycare, school, and recreational activities. Some of the most common pediatric ENT conditions are:

Pediatric Ear infections

Ear infections in children may be painful, but they’re rarely dangerous. The majority of ear infections are minor and easily treated at home. However, some children require care in a hospital setting. Ear infections often cause pain, fever, redness, swelling, and drainage from the ears. They can lead to hearing loss and brain damage.

Children who experience frequent ear infections should visit their pediatrician right away. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent future problems.

If your child experiences any symptoms of an ear infection, he or she needs to see a physician right away. This includes sudden onset of pain, fever, red eyes, or discharge from the ears.

Your child should also drink plenty of fluids during his or her illness. Children who suffer from dehydration are more susceptible to developing ear infections.

Pediatric hearing loss

Hearing loss affects millions of children every day. According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans suffer from some type of hearing loss. And according to the National Institutes of Health, 1 out of 5 children suffers from some form of hearing loss.

Children who experience hearing loss may not be able to hear sounds at school, making learning very challenging. They may also struggle when communicating with family members because they cannot understand speech.

If your child experiences hearing loss, pediatric otolaryngology (ENT) specialists can help diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options. The goal of these treatments is to restore normal hearing function.

Snoring and sleep apnea in Children

Sleep apnea is a common problem among adults, but it’s also very prevalent among children. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, but not always. So when you’re looking at pediatric patients who snore, be aware that some may actually suffer from sleep apnea.

If you suspect a child suffers from sleep apnea, ask them to lie down on a flat surface (like a table) and close their eyes. Then gently blow air through their nose. If they stop breathing, this means they have obstructive sleep apnea, which requires treatment.

Pediatric Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the glands located at the back of the throat just below the tongue. The most common cause of tonsillitis is strep throat; however, there are many other causes, including viral infections, allergies, and bacterial infections. Tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics, although some pediatric patients may need surgery to remove the inflamed tissue.

Pediatric Sinusitis

Pediatric Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. The most common cause of this condition is bacterial infection. Other causes include allergies, colds, flu, asthma, hay fever, and smoking.

Symptoms may include nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, cough, and difficulty breathing. Treatment options include antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroids, saline irrigation, and allergy shots.

Pediatric Airway Problems

Airway problems are common among children and infants. They include laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), tracheomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and airway foreign bodies. These conditions are often treated surgically, but there are many non-surgical options available to help these pediatric patients breathe better.

Neck Masses

Pediatric otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis and care of children with neck masses. Neck masses can be caused by benign conditions such as swollen lymph nodes or cysts or more serious issues such as tumors. A pediatric otolaryngologist will evaluate a child’s neck mass to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, steroids, aspiration, and/or neck surgery. In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to determine if the mass is cancerous. Surgery may be required for larger neck tumors or those that are causing difficulty breathing. It is important for parents to seek medical attention from a qualified pediatric otolaryngologist if their child has a neck mass to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pediatric Allergies

Seasonal allergies usually occur in spring and fall when pollens and spores from plants begin to grow. Fever is the most common form of seasonal allergy in children. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, redness, and congestion.

Other forms of allergies include food allergies and drug allergies. Food allergies cause allergic reactions after eating foods containing allergens. Drug allergies are similar to food allergies, except that drugs contain chemicals instead of proteins.

Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects children and adults alike. The most common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

While there is no cure for asthma, treatment options for children exist. These include medications, inhalers, and surgery.

If you have any questions about Pediatric ENT services for your child, please contact our pediatric telemedicine doctor at any time. We are here to help with proven treatments and our experienced doctors. Below are some helpful links to assist you with our Pediatrics services and assistance.

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Pediatric Symptoms FAQ’s

Why does my child experience frequent ear infections?

Pediatric ear infections occur when there is a blockage in the Eustachian tube, which permits fluid to build up in the inner ear and become infected. Children are prone to ear infections due to the size and shape of the Eustachian tube, which is still developing, and their frequent exposure to viruses and germs in daycare and school settings.

How can I treat my child’s ear infection?

If your child is experiencing an ear infection, see a doctor to determine the cause. Antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections. If the cause is viral, you can ease the pain by applying a warm washcloth to the affected ear and using over-the-counter eardrops for pain. Do not give your child aspirin, as this has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children.

My child’s doctor is recommending ear tubes. What are these, and why are they necessary?

Children who experience frequent ear infections may be candidates for ear tubes. These are hollow tubes that are placed in the ears surgically to ventilate and drain built-up fluid. This prevents infections from occurring and eliminates the danger of permanent hearing loss from repeat episodes.

My child’s tonsils are red and swollen, and have grayish patches. Is this serious?

Your child is suffering from a tonsil infection, a common malady that occurs when a virus or bacteria invades the tonsils. It can be caused by a number of factors, including colds, influenza, and bacteria. Most tonsil infections are not serious and clear up on their own. However, they are often associated with strep throat, a bacterial infection that must be treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, surgery to remove the tonsils is recommended but is reserved for severe or recurrent cases.

My child has a cold that won’t go away. What can I do about this?

If your child is experiencing cold-like symptoms that last longer than 10-14 days or reoccur frequently, he or she may be suffering from a chronic sinus infection known as sinusitis. This is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Your child’s doctor can run tests to verify that allergies or other diseases aren’t to blame and will prescribe a treatment plan that may include antihistamines, decongestants, saline drops, antibiotics, or surgery.

My child has been diagnosed with asthma. How is this treated?

Asthma is common in children, and while there is no cure, it is easily managed using a two-step approach. Long-term control medications to prevent symptoms from flaring up are taken daily, and rescue (quick-relief) medications are used for immediate relief during an asthma attack. Because the triggers that can cause asthma change over time, regular doctor’s appointments are recommended.

My child snores loudly every night. Should I be concerned?

Approximately 10% of children snore regularly. This occurs when excess throat tissue blocks the airways. It’s not always a serious condition, but if your child snores loudly – especially if the snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or thrashing in bed – then you should schedule an appointment with a doctor or ENT specialist. It could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that is marked by gaps in breathing and can lead to serious developmental and health issues. Solutions are available but don’t delay, as behavior and growth could be affected.