Pediatric ENT, or otolaryngology, is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in children. These can include ear infections, tonsillitis, hearing difficulty, and congenital abnormalities such as cleft palate and tongue-tie (ankyloglossia).
Ear infections in children:
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are a common condition in children. They occur when fluid builds up in the middle ear, typically as a result of a cold or other respiratory infection. This fluid can become infected, leading to symptoms such as ear discharge, pain, fever, and difficulty hearing. It is termed as acute or chronic otitis media based on the duration of the illness. Ear infections are more common in children than adults because their eustachian tubes, which help to drain fluid from the middle ear, are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making it easier for fluid to build up. Treatment for ear infections typically involves the use of antibiotics to clear the infection, as well as pain medication to relieve symptoms. In some cases, we recommend ear tubes known as Grommet, which are small plastic tubes that are inserted into the ear to help drain fluid and prevent future infections.
Adenotonsillitis:
Adenotonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils and adenoids become inflamed. The tonsils are two small glands located in the back of the throat, and the adenoids are located higher up, near the nasal passages. Adenotonsillitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms of adenotonsillitis include sore throat, fever, difficulty in swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics to clear any bacterial infection, as well as pain medication to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, or if a person has frequent episodes of adenotonsillitis, surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids may be recommended.
Ankyloglossia:
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a condition in which the tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is shorter than usual, causing the tongue to be tethered to the bottom of the mouth. This can make it difficult for the child to move their tongue freely and may interfere with breastfeeding, speaking (dysarthria), and oral hygiene.
Ankyloglossia is present at birth and is more common in boys than girls. It can range in severity, with some cases causing only mild symptoms and others causing more significant difficulty with tongue movement. Treatment involves a procedure to release the lingual frenulum, known as a frenotomy, which can be performed under anaesthesia, keeping the child pain-free. Speech therapy is advised in the postoperative period if the child suffered from dysarthria to bring normal pronunciation in the child.
In some cases, no treatment is necessary if the condition does not cause any significant symptoms.
Thyroglossal cyst:
A thyroglossal cyst is a type of congenital neck mass that is formed from tissue that is left behind during the development of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. During fetal development, the thyroid gland begins as a strip of tissue that travels from the base of the tongue to its final location in the neck. If some of this tissue is left behind, it can form a cyst, known as a thyroglossal cyst.
Thyroglossal cysts are typically benign (non-cancerous) and are usually discovered during childhood. They can range in size from very small to several centimeters in diameter. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cyst, known as Sistrunk procedure. This surgery is done under general anaesthesia and requires 3 days of hospital stay followed by rest for 7-10 days.
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