Pediatric otolaryngology (ENT) is one of the sub-specialties within pediatric medicine. A pediatric ENT doctor is dedicated to treating children with ear, nose, throat, and head or neck diseases. Pediatric ENT doctors are different from adult ENTs because their patients are younger and more complex medically. Often, their diseases are much more serious because the pediatric nose, throat, and ear are smaller than in adults, making it harder to explore or operate on them.

You can see a pediatric ENT doctor if your child has any of the following conditions:

Otitis Media

Otitis media (OM) is a severe inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the middle ear. It is often caused by bacteria or a virus and may be accompanied by fluid buildup, fever, and hearing loss. The condition is common, particularly in children with cleft palate. Long-term treatment is often necessary to reduce the incidence of complications, such as language delays and speech impairment.

Chromosomal Disorders

Children with chromosomal disorders, including Down syndrome, may require special care by a pediatric ENT doctor. Down syndrome is associated with a higher risk for ear infections, hearing loss, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). VPI is characterized by an incomplete closure of the roof of the mouth during speech or eating, resulting in nasal-sounding voice and recurrent nasal infections.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a general term for conditions that cause severely impaired social interaction, communication skills, and behavior patterns. Children with PDD may have difficulty speaking. They often engage in repetitive movements or motor mannerisms that seem odd or purposeless, such as hand-flapping, moving objects repetitively from one hand to the other, or twirling. If your child displays such symptoms, it's advisable to see a pediatric ENT doctor urgently.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is associated with many factors, including ear infections, such as otitis media, and a wide range of conditions, including influenza, measles, meningitis, and mumps. It is also linked to trauma, susceptibility genes, loud noise, vascular disease, and certain medications. It is estimated that hearing loss affects 3 per 1000 children in the U.S. If you notice that your young one can't hear sounds below a specific level of volume, they might have hearing loss, and you need to take them to a pediatric ENT doctor.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors of the salivary gland, also known as pleomorphic adenomas, are a relatively common problem in pediatric ENT patients. Children who develop these noncancerous masses usually present with complaints of painless swelling in the lower part of the face or neck. These oral-based problems often affect speech and chewing development and require treatment by an ENT doctor.

Conclusion

Pediatric Otolaryngologists or Pediatric ENTs treat kids with disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. They work closely with other doctors to provide tailored treatment for different conditions, ranging from chronic ear infections to cancer-related changes in the mouth and neck.

For more information on pediatric otolaryngology, contact a doctor near you.