Children will always be children—they play in the dirt, come home with bumps and bruises, and occasionally with a runny nose and a sore throat. While a pediatrician or parent can manage most of the minor issues, but if the frequency of runny noses and sore throats increases, consulting with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist might be necessary.
Let’s explore some common scenarios where it would be beneficial for your child to see an ENT.
When the symptoms become chronic
When your child’s symptoms become chronic, it may be time to see an ENT specialist.
The crucial factor here is “chronic.” Children commonly experience illnesses as a natural part of developing immunity, such as catching a cold in winter or maybe the flu. They might get a sore throat in the summer while enjoying activities like swimming and moving between air-conditioned rooms. These occurrences are typical, and your pediatrician can effectively manage these childhood viruses.
The distinction arises when these illnesses become chronic—do they recur frequently? Do they intensify with each occurrence?
If a health issue persists, worsens over time, or shows no signs of improvement, it might be advisable to consult with a specialist in ear, nose, and throat conditions.
How do you determine when symptoms are chronic?
- If your child experiences more than three ear infections in six months, crossing into the realm of chronic conditions, it may necessitate more aggressive treatment. An ENT will work to prevent the recurrence of infections and protect the eardrum. Temporary hearing issues often accompany these situations, and appropriate treatment can restore any lost hearing.
- For a child with six episodes of tonsillitis and/or strep throat within a year, seeking the expertise of a specialist is advisable.
- In the case of three instances of sinus infections within one year, characterized by symptoms like discolored mucus, facial pain, cough, and loud breathing lasting beyond 14 days, consulting a pediatric ENT specialist is recommended.
- Persistent nosebleeds that do not respond to regular treatment may warrant the care of an ENT.
- Conditions such as a persistent cough, nasal congestion, allergies coupled with asthma, and frequent nighttime waking due to breathing issues or coughing should be addressed by a pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist.
- Balance disorders, hearing loss, swallowing difficulties, and facial fractures are also concerns that should be handled by an ENT specialist.
- Snoring raises a red flag for sleep apnea and requires evaluation by a pediatric ENT.
Find an ENT specialist near you if your little one is suffering from chronic ear, nose, or throat problems.