When it comes to Pediatric ENT, we spend the whole month of February promoting awareness of all the different types of conditions that can occur in children under the age of 18. Although each diagnosis is unique, we are highly specialized in creating treatment plans for each patient.
- Ankyloglossia (Tongue-tie) is a condition where the movement of the tongue is restricted. This happens because tissue between the tongue and the floor of the mouth is too short or “tight,” causing issues with swallowing and speech. Tongue Ties are usually discovered at infancy, when the infant cannot latch or breastfeed properly.
- Lip Ties happen with the tissue behind the upper lip is too thick, keeping the upper lip from moving as it should. Lip ties are categorized into 4 categories according to their severity: Class 1 Mucosal, Class 2 Gingival, Class 3 Papillary, and Class 4 Papilla Penetrating. Lip ties are treated depending on the severity of the issue.
- Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is another phrase for acid reflux. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. When the acid reflux becomes severe, it can cause complications in children and turn into GERD.
- Pediatric Hearing Loss affects millions of children each year. The hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) is permanent, while other cases are caused by infections, trauma or even medications.
- Pediatric Sinusitis looks very different in children than adults. Children’s sinuses are not fully developed until late into their teen years, although the sinuses behind the check and between the eyes are present at birth. Pediatric sinusitis is difficult to diagnose in children, because the symptoms could be caused by allergies or viral illnesses.
- Pediatric Sleep-disordered Breathing or SDB is a condition where the airway is blocked repeatedly while a child is sleeping. During this disrupted sleep, the body thinks the child is choking, which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and brain activity.
- Pediatric Thyroid Cancer is NOT common. However, it can appear in children whose thyroid gland doesn’t produce the appropriate amounts of hormones that control the body’s energy and growth.
- Swimmer’s Ear or acute otitis externa affects the outer ear and ear canal. It is caused by inflammation, irritation, or an infection due to water that gets trapped in the ear canal.
- Tonsillitis (also known as pharyngitis) is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. Typically, this condition is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Children can experience recurrent tonsillitis or persistent chronic tonsillitis.
- Adenoids are glands that are high in the throat and are part of the soft palate, which are not visible through the mouth or nose. When bacteria enters through the mouth or nose, the adenoids (much like the tonsils) will try to protect the body and absorb those pathogens and begin to swell. When those glands get “too big” they can cause issues.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with us, contact us today: (770) 237-3000.