Every parent wants what’s best for their children; their children are their priority and this extends to their healthcare. Some children go through their growing stages without ever encountering any issues.
A checkup once a year with a physician is enough to ensure they’re reaching developmental milestones and reaching health goals. However, sometimes children need a little more than standard healthcare.
Whether it’s a persistent cough, runny nose, or ear infections that never seem to go away, scheduling an appointment with pediatric ENT services may be what your child needs to start feeling better. How do you know when it’s time to see a Pediatric ENT specialist and what exactly do they treat?
What is a Pediatric ENT Specialist?
An ENT specialist treats ear, nose, and throat issues which always seem to be prevalent in children. However, pediatric ENT specialists go a little further than treating the common cold that children always seem to come down with.
Children coming down with various strains of cold and flu is a normal part of their development. Their immune system is developing and sometimes, it takes a cold or flu bug to kick it into gear. Most of these health issues are minor and go away in a few days. Some viruses may stick around a little longer and warrant a visit to your child’s pediatrician.
Sometimes, a pediatrician is unable to manage a child’s cold or flu symptoms. However, this doesn’t always mean a trip to the E.R. is necessary every time your child develops a cough, starts sneezing, or can’t stop sniffling. Instead, these may be an indication it’s time to ask for a referral to a pediatric ENT specialist.
When You Should See a Pediatric ENT Specialist
As a parent, it’s your job to worry about your child’s health. Sometimes, your concerns are nothing to worry about. Your child is simply going through regular growing pains.
However, sometimes your child’s aches and pains are more than a sign they’re getting a little older. Instead, it can indicate there’s an issue with their nasal and/or sinuses. So, how do you know when it’s time to visit an ENT specialist?
If your child has more than three ear infections in six months, which can be one infection every month or so or multiple issues within a short period. When sinus infections are common, around three a year, it’s probably a good idea to make an appointment with an ENT specialist. If strep throat or tonsillitis occurs more than six times in a year.
Nosebleeds are common in children but not ones that occur for seemingly no reason. If your child develops frequent nose bleeds that don’t respond to regular treatment, it can be an indication it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatric ENT specialist. Additionally, using a baby head protector can help prevent head injuries that might contribute to frequent nosebleeds.
A few other signs to look for include a persistent cough lasting longer than a month or so, nasal congestion on one side of the side, and fluid build-up in the ears. If you notice your child’s having difficulty breathing or inhaling and exhaling is overly noisy, it’s probably time to contact your child’s primary care provider.
Your child’s physician can refer you to a pediatric ENT specialist qualified to treat your child’s health issue.
What to Expect From a Pediatric ENT Specialist
The last thing you want to do is traumatize your child and taking them to a specialist can be a frightening experience. Taking a few minutes to explain what an ENT specialist does and how they can help may make it easier for your child to relax.
So, what can you expect from a visit to an ENT specialist? The answer depends on your child’s condition. However, most pediatric ENT specialists will do everything they can to help put you and your child at ease.
For parents, an ENT specialist will take the time to review your child’s symptoms. After the exam, the specialist will go over your child’s treatment options. These options can vary depending on the cause and the severity of your child’s issues.
Sometimes, all your child may need is to learn some breathing exercises. Other children may require more extensive treatment like surgery to remove their tonsils if tonsillitis is a common health issue.
During the initial visit, you can learn more about your child’s diagnosis and what to expect in the form of treatment. What you don’t want to do is ignore any health issues your child may have. Listen to your child’s complaints and talk to their healthcare provider.
