That growth is a big part of why pediatric medicine is critical and why ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues are so common in young children. Our little ones are constantly developing, especially in the ENT part of the body, which is prone to infection, inflammation, and other problems during childhood development.
Fortunately, by staying informed—and by scheduling an annual well-child visit with your friendly neighborhood medical professionals at PAK Pediatrics—parents can ensure that their children’s ENT issues won’t get in the way of them continuing to grow! Call PAK Pediatrics to learn about the most common ENT issues in children.
Ear Infections in Children
Ear infection in children is a prevalent ENT issue; if not caught early, it can also be excruciating. This pain is caused by inflammation and fluid build-up from blocked Eustachian tubes (ear canals), which connect the ears to the back of the throat.
Colds, allergies, sinus infections, excess mucus, changes in air pressure, adenoid enlargement, and exposure to second-hand smoke are all capable of causing ear infections. Luckily, most ear infections don’t need treatment unless there is pain or fever, and they can be easily treated with prescription antibiotic medications. If your child is complaining of ear pain or partial hearing loss, see a healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
Childhood Allergic Reactions
Rhinitis, commonly known as allergies or hay fever, is an inflammation of the nose’s mucus membranes. It occurs when your child’s immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander, for a dangerous one. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, fatigue, and skin rashes.
While one bad case of allergies might not seem like a reason to bring your child in for a sick visit, that first instance is often just a taste of things to come. Figuring out what your child is allergic to and what medicines can help relieve their symptoms dramatically reduces the severity of future allergic reactions.
Sore Throat in Children
There are many potential causes of sore throat in children, including overexertion of the vocal cords due to yelling or screaming. A sore throat may also be a byproduct of a cold or allergies, which can cause excess mucus to run down the back of the throat, a condition called postnasal drip.
Most of the time, sore throat is caused by pharyngitis, a viral infection that is easily treated with anti-inflammatory medications and can even go away on its own. More serious is a condition known as strep throat, caused by bacteria infection, which can lead to complications if not treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics.
