A pediatric ENT specialist is a doctor who treats disorders of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck in children.
What does an ENT specialist do
A pediatric ENT specialist combines medical and surgical knowledge to treat diseases and disorders that affect the upper airways and related structures in children and adolescents.
Among the main areas of intervention of a pediatric otolaryngologist is the diagnosis of hearing and speech problems, which may be due to chronic infections, congenital malformations, or sensorineural hearing loss.
Ear infections and upper respiratory tract infections are common in children.
Problems such as sleep apnea, snoring, or breathing difficulties due to nasal obstruction are treated using advanced techniques and protocols specifically designed for pediatric patients.
The pediatric ENT specialist also has the expertise to perform surgery when this is the only treatment option or when conservative treatment has not achieved the expected results.
What conditions does the ENT specialist treat
A pediatric ENT specialist covers a wide range of conditions that affect children’s health, such as:
- Ear disorders: including acute or chronic otitis media, which are middle ear infections common in children under five; hearing loss, whether acquired or congenital; or perforated eardrum.
- Nasal problems: chronic sinusitis, which is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses affecting breathing; allergy management for conditions like allergic rhinitis that cause nasal congestion and persistent sneezing; and congenital nasal obstruction due to conditions such as choanal atresia.
- Throat conditions: tonsillitis and adenoiditis (inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids); dysphagia (difficulty swallowing food or liquids); and the presence of nodules or polyps on the vocal cords, which can result in difficulty producing voice or persistent hoarseness.
- Neck and upper airway disorders: such as thyroglossal duct cysts, hemangiomas, or vascular malformations.
- In addition to diseases, the pediatric ENT Specialist also treats traumatic injuries such as wounds or fractures that affect neck structures.
Head and neck surgery
Head and neck surgery is an essential component of pediatric ENT practice, particularly when conservative treatments have failed to resolve the condition.
Head and neck surgery in children requires a specialized approach that considers both developing anatomy and the individual needs of each case.
Some of the most common procedures are:
- Surgery for recurrent infections: tympanostomy, which consists of placing ventilation tubes in the eardrum to drain accumulated fluid and prevent recurrent infections; tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, which are common surgeries to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids that cause respiratory problems or infections.
- Correction of congenital anomalies: such as choanal atresia repair to open nasal airways blocked from birth, or removal of abnormal structures in the neck, such as thyroglossal duct cysts.
- Treatment of masses or tumors: such as vascular malformations or thyroid nodules.
- Pediatric tracheostomy: performed in cases of severe obstruction of the upper airways; as well as laryngomalacia repair to correct anomalies in the larynx.
- Reconstructive surgeries: for children who have suffered traumatic injuries or have significant congenital malformations, to restore functionality of the affected area.
The pediatric otolaryngologist plays a crucial role in the care of children’s hearing, respiratory, and cervicofacial health. Thanks to their expertise, they not only improve the quality of life of young patients but also ensure healthy long-term development.
Pediatric ENT specialists near me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, our team of highly skilled pediatric ENT specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care for all your child’s ear, nose, and throat needs.
Our pediatric ENT specialists in Mexico City are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as otitis media, allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, and more.
Fuentes:
Healthy Children, Nicklaus Children, Stanford Children
