Pediatric Conditions & Treatments

Children often face a variety of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) challenges as they grow. At Florida ENT Associates, we specialize in compassionate, effective pediatric ENT care to treat the unique conditions affecting our younger patients.

Find Your ENT Request Appointment

At Florida ENT Associates, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of pediatric ENT care. We understand the importance of addressing these conditions promptly and effectively, ensuring your child’s healthy development and well-being – with compassion and understanding. If your child is experiencing ENT-related issues, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Common Pediatric ENT Conditions

Pediatric ENT disorders can range from mild and temporary to chronic and complex. Some of the common conditions we treat include:

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections): Very common in children, these infections can cause pain, fever, and hearing difficulties.
Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids can lead to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and obstructive sleep issues.
Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies causing nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, leading to facial pain, congestion, and nasal discharge.
Hearing Loss: Ranging from mild to profound, hearing loss in children can be due to various causes, including infections, genetic factors, or developmental issues.
Speech and Language Disorders: Issues with speech development can be related to hearing problems, structural abnormalities, or other ENT conditions.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea: This can be due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or other airway issues, affecting the child’s sleep quality and overall health.

Diagnosing Children at Florida ENT Associates: A Gentle, Caring Approach

At Florida ENT Associates, we use various diagnostic tools tailored for pediatric patients, including gentle examination techniques, hearing tests, and age-appropriate imaging studies. Our treatment approaches are as diverse as the conditions we treat and may include:

Medication: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antihistamines for allergies, and other medications as needed.
Surgery: Surgical interventions can include tympanostomy tube insertion for recurrent ear infections, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for chronic tonsillitis, and procedures for obstructive sleep apnea.
Audiology Services: Including hearing tests and fitting for hearing aids.
Speech Therapy: For speech and language developmental issues.
Allergy Management: Diagnostic allergy testing and treatments, including immunotherapy for children.

Complex Pediatric Conditions Treated at Florida ENT Associates

Chronic Ear Infections and Cholesteatoma: Recurrent ear infections can lead to complications such as cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear. Treatment often involves surgery to prevent hearing loss and other complications.
Repair of Eardrum Perforations: At Florida ENT Associates, we expertly repair eardrum perforations to assist children with restored hearing, ear health, and overall quality of life.
Congenital Ear Malformations: Children born with ear deformities require specialized care. We offer surgical and non-surgical options to address these conditions, focusing on improving function and appearance.
Pediatric Sinusitis and Rhinosinusitis: Chronic or recurrent sinus infections in children can be particularly challenging. We provide comprehensive treatment plans, including medication management and advanced surgical techniques.
Hearing Loss: From mild to profound hearing loss, our audiologists and ENT specialists work together to provide diagnostic services, hearing aid fittings, cochlear implants, and other interventions.
Voice Disorders: This includes conditions such as vocal cord nodules, paralysis, and papillomatosis, which can affect a child’s ability to speak. Our team of speech therapists and ENT specialists collaborate to improve voice quality and function.
Airway Disorders: Disorders such as laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and subglottic stenosis, which can affect breathing. Treatment may range from careful monitoring to surgical intervention.
Head and Neck Masses: Including congenital cysts and tumors. Our approach to these cases is multidisciplinary, ensuring thorough evaluation and treatment.

Why Choose Florida ENT Associates for Pediatric ENT Care?

Choosing Florida ENT Associates for your child’s ENT care means entrusting their health to a team of specialists who understand the unique needs of pediatric patients. We provide a child-friendly environment where we take extra care to ensure our young patients feel comfortable and safe. Our team includes pediatric ENT specialists, audiologists, and speech therapists, all working together to provide comprehensive care.

We believe in a family-centered approach, involving parents and caregivers in every step of the diagnosis and treatment process. Education, empathy, and effective communication are the cornerstones of our practice, ensuring that families are well-informed and comfortable with their child’s care plan.

FAQ

How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?

Common signs include ear pain, especially when lying down, pulling at the ear, difficulty hearing, fever, and irritability.

When should my child see an ENT specialist?

If your child experiences recurrent ENT issues, such as multiple ear infections, persistent sore throat, snoring, or hearing difficulties, it’s advisable to see a specialist.

Are tonsillectomies still common?

While less common than in the past, tonsillectomies are still performed for chronic or severe tonsillitis and for obstructive sleep issues related to enlarged tonsils.