Pediatric Care

Kids are especially susceptible to various challenges of the ear, nose, and throat. Young children have immature immune systems and are more prone to infections of the nose, sinus, and ears, especially in the first several years of life. The pediatric care children receive is gentle, professional, and comes from years of experience.

Ears

• Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis for children who visit physicians for illness. It is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children.

Nose

• Nasal obstruction—Children are prone to inserting various objects into their noses: peas, beans, cherry pits, beads, buttons, safety pins, and plastic toys. A foreign body can cause a foul smelling discharge.
• Sinus infection—Look for these symptoms of sinusitis: a “cold” lasting more than 10 to 14 days, thick yellow-green nasal drainage, post-nasal drip (exhibited as sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea and/or vomiting), headache, irritability, fatigue, and swelling around the eyes.

Throat

• Tonsils and adenoids – Near the entrance of the breathing passages, tonsils and adenoids can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. This happens primarily during the first few years of life, becoming less important as we get older. Children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed maintain their resistance to infection.
• Tonsillectomy—If your child requires surgery, provide strong reassurance and support throughout the process. Tell him/her to expect a sore throat after surgery, yet say the procedure will make him/her healthier. Reassure your child that the operation does not remove any important parts of the body, and that he/she will not look any different afterward.

Snoring

• The studies are clear. Children who snore loudly five or more nights per week have reduced quality of sleep. This has been shown to affect their learning capacity, attention and even growth. 98% of the time, adenotonsillectomy reduces or completely cures snoring, allowing children and their families to rest easy.