Parents of young children know all too well that kids tend to get sick. From a runny nose to ear infections, childhood and run-of-the-mill illnesses often go hand in hand. So where is the line between typical childhood sniffles and something you should see a specialist about?
At Southern ENT Associates our team of ENT physicians are experienced with diagnosing a full range of conditions that affect your child's ears, nose, and throat.
An issue that may seem minor can sometimes signal an underlying problem, and that persistent runny nose could be a sign that your child has allergies.
Pediatric ENT physicians specialize in issues that commonly occur in children. Our team at Southern ENT Associates understands how a child's normal growth and development affects their ears, nose, and throat.
Here’s what you need to know about when to see an ENT doctor for your child.
Distinguishing normal from abnormal
Getting sick is part of the normal process as your child's immune system develops. Most children who get sick or have an ear infection recover just fine and have no further issues.
When trying to determine whether you should take your child to see an ENT doctor, you should know what's normal and what requires evaluation. Here are some questions to consider.
Is it recurrent?
Does your child's problem resolve only to come back again? If your child seems to have issues with their ears, such as an ear infection that keeps returning or a sinus infection, this is a sign that you should see an ENT doctor.
Consult with one of our providers from Southern ENT Associates if your child experiences:
- More than three ear infections in a six-month period
- Four or more sinus infections within one year
- More than three bouts of tonsillitis within six months
- Frequent nosebleeds
Is it ongoing?
Another point to consider is whether your child’s problem has ever been resolved on its own, as chronic issues never seem to go away. If your child experiences a persistent cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, or other issues with their ears, nose, or throat, it's time to call us.
Is it affecting your child's quality of life?
If your child has constant problems with coughing, sneezing, or frequent ear infections, contact us for an appointment.
These issues can make it difficult for your child to sleep at night, causing fussiness and irritability. Ongoing issues can affect your child at home, at school, and in social settings and can have a major impact on how they feel and function from day to day.
Common reasons to see a pediatric ENT physician
Here are some of the most common reasons you should bring your child to see a pediatric ENT doctor.
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Balance problems
- Trouble hearing
- Problems swallowing
- Frequent colds
- Snoring
- Dizziness
- Ear infections
- Chronic sneezing
- Chronic recurrent runny nose
- Nasal drainage
- Chronic red or watery eyes
We conduct a thorough evaluation to get to the root of the problem and prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan to help your child feel well again.
To get started, schedule a visit with one of our Southern ENT Associates providers at the nearest office. Our offices are located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, and Youngsville, Louisiana.