Pediatric ENT

Although children are often affected by the same ear, nose and throat conditions as adults, they are often more susceptible to these conditions and require special care to treat these conditions. Our doctors are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of ear, nose and throat conditions affecting children including Tonsillitis, Sleep Apnea, Ear infections such as Otitis Media and Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear), Hearing Loss, Tympanic membrane perforations (holes in the ear drum), Nosebleeds, Sinusitis, Nasal obstruction, Tongue Tie, as well as other disorders such as neck lumps and masses.

Tonsils and Adenoids

What are the tonsils and adenoids?

Tonsils and adenoids are similar to the lymph nodes.  They are the body’s first line of defense as part of the immune system. They sample bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose, but they sometimes become infected. The tonsils are the two round lumps in the back of the throat. Adenoids are high in the throat, above the roof of the mouth and at the very back of the nose.  They and are not visible through the mouth or nose without special instruments.

What affects the tonsils and adenoids?



Tonssilitis and its Symptoms

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. The tonsils can become swollen, red, and coated.  Patients can have a sore throat, change in voice, discomfort swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, fevers and bad breath. 

Enlarged Tonsils and/or Adenoids and its Symptoms

Enlarged adenoids may make it hard to breathe through the nose, cause mouth breathing, a nasal voice, chronic runny nose, and recurrent ear infections.  Enlarged tonsils can cause snoring at night, restless sleep, pausing for a few seconds at night, and difficulty swallowing.

How are tonsil and adenoid disease treated?

Bacterial infections of the tonsils, especially those caused by Strep, are first treated with antibiotics. Removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy) may be recommended if these infections are recurrent despite antibiotic therapy.  It may also be recommended in cases of  difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.

How To Prepare for Surgery

  • For at least two weeks before any surgery, the patient should refrain from taking aspirin or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). (WARNING: Children should never be given aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome). Your doctor may ask to you to stop taking other medications that may interfere with clotting.
  • Tell your surgeon if the patient or patient’s family has had any problems with anesthesia or clotting of blood. If the patient is taking blood thinning medications, has sickle cell anemia, has a bleeding disorder, or if the patient is pregnant, the surgeon should be informed.
  • A blood test may be required prior to surgery.

After Surgery

There are several postoperative problems that may arise. These include pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, fever, and ear pain. Rarely, bleeding from the mouth or nose may occur after surgery. If the patient has any bleeding, your surgeon should be notified immediately. It is also important to drink plenty of liquids after surgery to avoid dehydration.


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