When should your child see an ear, nose and throat specialist?

By Dr. Peter Casano

If your child is experiencing issues involving the ears, sinuses, nose, mouth, throat or neck, he or she may need to consult with an ENT, or ear, nose and throat specialist. Here, ENT specialist Dr. Peter Casano answers questions about common issues he sees in pediatric patients. 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU TREAT IN CHILDREN? 

The most common issues that ENT doctors take care of for children would be recurring ear infections, recurrent tonsil infections and chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis in children can be hard to appreciate because children so often have frequent colds that can be mistaken for sinus infections. 

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR TIMES OF THE YEAR FOR CHILDREN TO BATTLE THESE ISSUES? 

Statistically children — and adults, too — have more upper respiratory infections in the late fall and winter. Upper respiratory infections most often are caused by viruses, but the inflammation, secretions and swelling they create can allow bacteria to gain a foothold and lead to bacterial ear infections and bacterial sinus infections. 

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE CONSIDER BRINGING THEIR CHILD TO AN ENT SPECIALIST? 

Your pediatrician is the expert when it comes to addressing most of these problems initially. When ear, nose and throat problems become recurring or severe, it may be time to see an ENT doctor. ENT specialists can help decide if minor surgeries might be helpful, such as ear tubes or a tonsillectomy. In the evaluation and treatment of chronic nasal congestion, they can help you determine if the problem is allergies, infections or anatomic issues that might need more involved workups or treatment. 

WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY? 

I think many people think of ENT doctors as those who take out tonsils and put in ear tubes, and while that is true, we also have experience with the medical evaluation and treatment of pediatric patients who have stubborn medical problems. One common intervention that ENT doctors do is obtain bacterial cultures from the sinuses to help evaluate and treat chronic or recurrent nasal congestion. Distinguishing between frequent colds, allergic rhinitis and bacterial sinus infections can be challenging, but obtaining the correct diagnosis and treatment is critical when ENT problems become frequent and difficult to treat. 

HOW HAVE YOU HELPED A CHILD’S QUALITY OF LIFE? 

Recently, a child who had never gone more than a week or so without constant nasal discharge had been appropriately treated for allergies. Allergies are extremely common, so this is a very reasonable first step. The child did not respond well to the chosen allergy medications. We obtained cultures of the nasal discharge and identified a resistant type of bacteria. Once that was treated with carefully chosen medications, the nasal discharge finally cleared up. Now, she is off her allergy medications and has a clear nasal airway. 

Dr. Peter Casano is an ENT specialist with Memorial in Gulfport, and his practice concentrates on sinus and nasal problems. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit wearememorial.com.