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6 Signs You Need an ENT for Kids

Ear infections, sore throats, and other upper respiratory issues can be as common as bumps and bruises for children. Children begin life with immunities that they've inherited from their mothers and nothing more, so as they grow up, their immune systems have to encounter germs and fight them off in order to build their immunities. Of course, that means they'll have occasional head colds or upper respiratory infections. However, if these occur frequently with our child, you might need an ENT for kids.

It can be difficult to know when natural childhood sniffles and infections have crossed the line into an area where more specialized help is needed. Today, we're going to talk about the signs that your child could need an ENT. As an adult and pediatric ENT in Royal Oak Michigan, we want every parent in our area to understand the signs that their child might need specialized care so their children can start feeling better faster.

Signs You Need an ENT for Kids

While head colds, sniffles, and even the occasional sinus or ear infection are common in childhood, there comes a time when you might begin to notice that they're occurring more frequently than you think they should. You might see your child having some form of labored breathing or other symptoms. The key points to watch for if you think your child might need an ENT are below.

Chronic Ear Infections

Ear infections might be a part of childhood, but if they become frequent, it could be a sign that your child needs to see a specialist. In addition to more frequent ear infections, the infections might get worse with worsening symptoms. Look for:

  • More than four infections a year
  • Infections coupled with speech delay
  • Persistent fluid in the ears
  • Ear infections requiring multiple antibiotics

Chronic Upper Respiratory Infections

Another common childhood ailment, upper respiratory infections that become more chronic and with worsening conditions are a sign that your child needs an ENT for kids.

  • Multiple sinus infections per year
  • Recurrent tonsillitis
  • Frequent school absences due to sore throats, congestion, and sinus infections

Noisy Breathing During the Day and Snoring at Night

We are a Royal Oak Michigan sleep apnea doctor for both adults and children. That's because, although it might sound crazy, children can and do have sleep apnea. In children, sleep apnea is generally obstructive in nature and caused by inflamed tissues. Any of the following signs should be cause for a consultation with a pediatric ENT as soon as possible.

  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Noisy breathing
  • Snoring
  • Restlessness at night or chronic wakening

Neck Growths or Masses

While growths and masses can be horrifying to parents, the good news is that if these masses are coupled with chronic congestions, infections, and other upper respiratory issues they could be lymph nodes that are swollen. Lymph nodes swell due to infections in the body, and chronic upper respiratory issues are often the culprit. Consult with an ENT immediately if your child has any masses on the neck.

Delayed Speech

As a pediatric ENT in Detroit Michigan and Royal Oak Michigan, we see a lot of delayed speech. This is because chronic infections during young childhood can cause hearing issues. And of course, children have to hear language to mimic it. Oftentimes, delayed speech can be corrected by stopping the other upper respiratory issues happening with the child.

Chronic Stuffy Noses

Even in the absence of infections, chronic stuffy noses can be a sign that your child needs a pediatric ENT. Stuffy noses that are persistent and chronic but without accompanying infections have two major causes, both of which can be treated by an ENT.

ENT for Kids in Royal Oak Michigan

At Rontal, we pride ourselves on delivering the best care as a pediatric ENT in Royal Oak Michigan/Detroit Michigan areas. Every day, we help children find relief from allergies, infections, sleep apnea, and a whole host of chronic upper respiratory issues. If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms we've talked about today, schedule an appointment with us. We're here to help.

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