ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
We put our patients first. Please visit us to coordinate your child's care with one of our Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Our ear, nose and throat specialist can also assist adults.
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an ear infection. It is the most common bacterial infection during childhood and the
most common reason that a pediatrician would write a prescription for an antibiotic. Ear infections
that keep returning and do not respond to antibiotics may need to be treated with ear tubes.
What causes ear infections?
Ear infections can occur if the Eustachian tubes do not work properly. Eustachian tubes connect the
middle ear to the back of the nose. They help to drain fluid from the middle ear. Eustachian tubes in
infants and young children do not work as well as they do in adults. This is because the tubes are
smaller and more level, which makes it harder for fluid to drain from the ear.
Viral upper respiratory infections (common colds) can prevent the Eustachian tubes from working properly because they
cause fluid to build up in the ear. The fluid in the middle ear then gets infected by the bacteria that
live in the tissues in our nasopharynx, the area in the back of the nose near the opening of the
Eustachian tubes.
Ear infections are very common in young children ages 6 months to 5 years, but they can affect an
individual at any age.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsils are lymphoid tissue located in the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is an infection that
involves only the tonsils, but often the infection also involves the throat and is called pharyngitis.
Tonsillitis and pharyngitis may be caused by a virus. Over 90% of pharyngitis cases are caused by viral
infections. Tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Strep bacteria
cause the bacterial infection commonly known as strep throat.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as pauses in breathing that frequently occur
with snoring or gasping. The condition is diagnosed by an overnight sleep study.
Although it is normal for everyone to experience occasional pauses in breathing, OSA can be a problem
when breathing stops frequently or for prolonged periods of time. OSA can cause a childâs oxygen levels
to drop because of disrupted breathing.
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a term that is used to describe all types of
breathing problems that cause decreased airflow. This decreased airflow disrupts sleep quality or sleep
time by causing lots of âarousalsâ or awakenings from sleep.
What causes sleep apnea?
The most common associations of OSA in children are large tonsils and adenoids. These structures become a problem when a childâs throat relaxes during sleep. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can block air flow. Some kids with large tonsils and adenoids donât have OSA, so the tonsils donât âcauseâ OSA, but contribute to it.
Does your child have?
- REPEATED EAR OR THROAT INFECTION
- HEARING LOSS
- SNORING
- NOSE BLEED
- SINUS PROBLEM & MORE
If so, please come to Walk-in Pediatrics Clinic and let one of our pediatricians have a look at your
child.
Referrals may be required