Pediatrics in NJ & Philadelphia
Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy offers a full range of Pediatric ENT services and treatments designed specifically for infants, children, and adolescents. 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.
Best Pediatric ENT treatments in NJ and Philadelphia
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, 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.
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 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 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.
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.