If you or your child is suffering from ear, nose, or throat problems, it's important to seek help from a pediatric otolaryngologist. Here's what you need to know.
What is pediatric otolaryngology?
Pediatric otolaryngology is a subspecialty of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) that focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of children's ear, nose, and throat conditions.
How is a pediatric otolaryngologist different from other doctors?
A pediatric otolaryngologist is a doctor who has completed training in ENT and then gone on to complete an additional two to three years of fellowship training in pediatric ENT. This means they have specialized knowledge and experience in treating children's conditions exclusively.
What are the common problems that a pediatric ENT doctor treats?
The most common problems that a pediatric ENT doctor treats are:
- Congenital abnormalities of the head and neck
- Infections of the ear, nose, throat, and sinuses
- Hearing loss
- Tonsil and adenoid problems
- Voice disorders
- Allergies
Additionally, pediatric otolaryngology often treats neurological disorders affecting the head and neck of a child.
What are some common procedures that a pediatric ENT doctor performs?
Some common procedures that a pediatric ENT doctor performs are:
- Tonsillectomy. A common procedure in pediatric otolaryngology is a tonsillectomy which is a surgery to remove the tonsils because of recurrent sore throats, infections, or other reasons.
- Adenoidectomy. Adenoidectomy is a surgery to remove the adenoids because of recurrent infections or sleep apnea.
- Tympanostomy tube placement. When children have recurring ear infections, a pediatric ENT doctor will often put tubes in their ears to help. This is called a tympanostomy tube placement is a surgery.
- Myringotomy. A myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the eardrum to place a tiny tube in the ear. This procedure is often done to help with drainage of fluid from the middle ear and to ventilation. It is often done together with the placement of tympanostomy tubes.
- Craniofacial. Craniofacial surgery is a type of surgery that is done to correct birth defects of the head and face.
Additionally, a pediatric ENT doctor will work with patients with hearing loss and perform auditory testing. They may also work with patients who have balance disorders or vertigo.
What are the benefits of pediatric otolaryngology?
There are many benefits to pediatric otolaryngology. They are more likely to be able to correctly diagnose and treat a child's condition, meaning the child can be treated by a doctor who understands their unique needs. Additionally, a pediatric ENT doctor is more likely to be up-to-date on the latest research and treatments for children's conditions.
If you or your child is experiencing any issues with the ears, nose, and throat, be sure to consult a professional in pediatric otolaryngology. They will be able to accurately diagnose and treat your child's condition.
