Paediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) conditions are common in children, ranging from mild infections to more serious issues like sleep apnea. Early recognition of symptoms and understanding when to seek help from an ENT doctor in Delhi are important for treatment. If untreated, conditions such as tonsillitis, glue ear, and sleep apnea can affect a child’s health and development. Read this blog until the end to learn about the frequent paediatric ENT conditions, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options, as well as when to consult a specialist. If your child is constantly suffering from paediatric ENT issues, you should reach out to the best ENT doctor in Delhi
Common Paediatric ENT Conditions
Understanding common paediatric ENT issues help parents to recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment. A study examining ENT disorders among school-aged children found that otitis media was the most common condition, affecting 35% of those surveyed. The research emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent complications such as hearing loss and speech delays. Below are common ENT conditions seen in children.
1. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils, two small glands located at the back of the throat, become inflamed. Viral or bacterial infections cause this condition, and its symptoms can considerably affect daily life. Tonsillitis treatment depends on whether a virus or bacteria causes the disease.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis symptoms vary in severity and may include:
● Sore throat
● Difficulty swallowing
● Fever
● Earache
● Fatigue
● Swollen tonsils
● Bad breath
● Headache and abdominal pain
● Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Treatment
Treatment for tonsillitis in children depends on whether the cause is viral or bacterial. For viral tonsillitis, supportive care is usually enough. This includes encouraging rest, keeping the child hydrated, and giving over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort. In cases of bacterial tonsillitis, when streptococcal bacteria are involved, doctors prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications. A paediatrician may recommend a tonsillectomy as a long-term solution if the tonsillitis is recurrent or severe.
2. Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is a condition where fluid accumulates in the middle ear without any signs of infection. It commonly occurs after a cold or respiratory disease, particularly affecting children.
Symptoms of Glue Ear
Symptoms of glue ear can vary, but the most noticeable include:
● Hearing difficulties
● Irritability
● Feeling of fullness in the ear
● Frequent ear aches
Tr₹eatment
Treatment for glue ear in children often starts with monitoring, as the condition usually clears up within a few months. If symptoms continue, doctors may recommend autoinflation techniques, where children use a balloon device to help drain the fluid. Surgeons may insert grommets (small tubes) to aid fluid drainage in more severe cases. Sometimes, an adenoidectomy is performed to remove enlarged adenoids that contribute to the fluid build-up. Temporary hearing aids can also help manage hearing difficulties during this time.
3. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep patterns. it is important to identify if your child is suffering from sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary, but the most common signs include:
● Snoring is a hallmark symptom of OSA.
● Due to disrupted sleep, child may experience excessive daytime drowsiness, affecting concentration on studies.
● The lack of restorative sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, feel tired throughout the day and difficulty focusing.
Treatment
Adenotonsillectomy, the surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, is often the most effective treatment. For children who cannot have surgery, doctors may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, where a machine delivers air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep. In addition, weight management and myofunctional therapy can help improve symptoms in some cases.
4. Sore Throat
A sore throat is characterised by pain or irritation in the throat, often resulting from infections (viral or bacterial) or allergies. It can affect individuals of any age and is common during cold and flu seasons.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a sore throat include:
● Discomfort or pain when swallowing food or liquids.
● The throat may appear red and inflamed when examined.
● The lymph nodes in the neck may become enlarged and tender.
● A scratchy sensation, particularly noticeable upon waking.
Treatment
Sore throat treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
● Gargling with warm salt water can soothe the throat. Lozenges and throat sprays may provide temporary relief.
● If allergies are the cause, antihistamines can reduce symptoms such as itching and irritation.
● Drinking fluids is essential to keep the throat moist and aid recovery.
5. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities, often occurring after a cold. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks) and may involve a bacterial infection.
Symptoms
Key symptoms of sinusitis include:
● Nasal congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and mucus buildup.
● Facial pain/pressure: Pain around the cheeks, forehead, or eyes that worsens when bending forward.
● Thick nasal discharge: Yellow or green mucus may be present.
● Postnasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat can cause irritation and contribute to a sore throat, bad breathe and cough.
Treatment
Treatment options for sinusitis vary depending on the severity of symptoms:
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Antibiotics
6) Acute otitis media
Acute otitis media (AOM) in children is a rapid-onset middle ear infection, marked by inflammation and fluid build-up. It often follows respiratory infections and is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions in paediatric care.
Other common pediatric ENT issues include:
- Foreign objects in the ear nose and airway
- Nose bleeds
- Speech and language delays and disorders
- Allergies
- Saliva drooling
- Laryngomalacia
- Adenoid hypertrophy
- Tongue tie
- Lumps or mass in the neck
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
When to Seek Help?
If your child experiences specific symptoms, it may be time to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. Below are some clear signs indicating when to seek professional advice:
Frequent Tonsillitis
● Five or more episodes of tonsillitis within a year.
● Symptoms that persist despite medication or home treatments.
● Enlarged tonsils cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Snoring and Sleep Issues
● Loud, persistent snoring combined with pauses in breathing during sleep.
● Daytime tiredness or behavioural changes due to poor sleep quality.
● Potential signs of obstructive sleep apnea can impact cognitive and behavioural development.
Recurrent Ear Infections
● Multiple ear infections within a short period.
● Fluid buildup (glue ear) affects hearing or speech development for over three months.
● Persistent ear pain, pressure, or hearing loss.
Chronic Sinusitis
● Nasal congestion, facial pain, or headaches lasting more than 10 days.
● Symptoms that improve but worsen again.
● Persistent sinus infections that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
Delayed Speech or Hearing Issues
● Signs of hearing loss affecting communication or school performance.
● Frequent request to repeat things or talk loudly.
Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose
● Chronic mouth breathing or nasal blockages.
● Symptoms that don’t improve with regular treatments.
If any of these symptoms apply to your child, seeking advice from an ENT doctor in Delhi can provide relief and help prevent complications.
Conclusion
Understanding common paediatric ENT conditions and their symptoms empowers parents to take timely action. From tonsillitis to sinusitis, early detection and treatment can prevent complications and enhance a child’s quality of life. If symptoms persist or worsen, search for best ENT specialist near me for appropriate care in your area. If you live in Delhi, Dr Anu Goyal is one of the best ENT doctor in Dwarka for the right diagnosis and treatment.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Anu Goyal, consult about your kids issues and help your child breathe, hear and feel better.
