ENT Pediatric
Our ENT (otolaryngology) specialists deliver comprehensive care for children with disorders of the ear, nose and throat
Our physicians and staff have the experience and expertise to meet the needs of young ENT patients with leading edge techniques and compassionate care. Our ENT doctors treat conditions ranging from routine earaches and tonsil infections to much more complex issues.
Areas of service:
- Ear and hearing problems
- Tonsil and adenoid problems
- Sinus problems
- Tongue tie
- Larynx and voice problems
- Congenital abnormalities
- Head and neck tumors
- Acid reflux
- Swallowing disorders
Children face many of the same ENT health problems that adults do. However symptoms may appear differently and treatment methods will vary.
Ear Tubes and Ear Infections
Ear infections are the #1 reason children are taken to the doctor. Almost every child (93%) will have an ear infection before age 7. However, only 6-8% of kids will suffer from chronic infections, defined as three or more a year.
Most ear infections involve fluid build-up in the middle ear. This fluid can cause an infection. For children with chronic ear infections that don’t go away after months of treatment, myringotomy tubes may be required to allow inner ear fluid to drain.
The ear tube allows ear fluid to escape, equalizes ear pressure, and allows the infection to heal. Most ear tubes are designed to remain in place about a year and then fall out on their own.
Tongue Tie
Tongue tie is the non-medical term for ankyloglossia, a common physical condition that limits the use of the tongue. Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue called the frenulum connects the tongue to the lower part of the mouth. For some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede. Tongue tie is common and occurs in about 1 in 20 babies.
For infants, tongue tie can make it difficult for a newborn to latch properly and take in milk. This can lead to poor weight gain. Mothers may experience bleeding nipples or find it extremely painful to breast feed.
Left untreated, tongue tie can sometimes lead to speech problems and dental hygiene issues in older children. These children may also be messy eaters because they lack some of the normal tongue mobility to move food around their mouth.
Tongue tie surgery is a simple procedure. For very young infants, the procedure may be performed in your ENT’s office. When children are older, the procedure may be done in the office using topical anesthetic or in the OR using general anesthesia.
In addition to children's ENT, we also offer comprehensive children's health services.