Back to School: Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues in Children

Sending your child back to school in the fall is an exciting but frightening time. It’s harder to closely monitor their wellness when they’re away from you for so much of the day, plus they’re around many unfamiliar faces. It’s the perfect environment for your child to pick up illness from others.

ENT (ears, nose, and throat) issues in children are particularly common. This month, ExcelENT of Alabama will explore the most frequent school health issues related to ear, nose, and throat conditions in kids and when to seek medical attention.

Common ENT Issues in Children

The following conditions are particularly prevalent in school-age children due to their developing immune systems and close contact with peers:

Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most frequent ENT problems in children. Nearly 5 out of 6 children experience an ear infection before their third birthday, and they remain common throughout their schooling years. These infections occur when bacteria or viruses infect the space behind the eardrum, causing inflammation and fluid buildup.

Ear infections are more common in children because their eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than adults, making it harder for fluid to drain. Symptoms of ear infections in children include:

• Tugging or pulling at the ears
• Crying and irritability, especially in infants
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever, particularly in younger children
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Loss of balance
• Trouble hearing or responding to auditory cues

For children too young to communicate verbally, these signs might suggest an ear infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should contact your doctor if your child’s ear infection symptoms persist or worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if your child has a fever over 104° F, severe ear pain that doesn’t improve after taking pain relievers, or if there’s fluid draining from the ear. For babies under six months, antibiotics are almost always prescribed due to the risk of complications.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. It’s most common in children between 5 and 15 years old . Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white or yellow coating)
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

In very young children, you might notice drooling due to painful swallowing or refusal to eat. However, tonsillitis is rare in children under 2 years old.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your child’s sore throat worsens, especially on one side, it could indicate a peritonsillar abscess. Other signs include fever, headache, earache, drooling, or a muffled voice.

Call your doctor if these symptoms appear, as treatment might require hospitalization. For children with recurrent tonsil problems, your pediatrician may recommend surgery if tonsil swelling interferes with normal breathing or swallowing.

Adenoid Problems

The adenoid is a mass of tissue located behind the nasal cavity, above the roof of the mouth. Like tonsils, adenoids are part of the immune system and help fight infections. However, they can become infected or enlarged, leading to various issues. Adenoid problems are more common in young children, as adenoids typically begin to shrink after age 5 and often disappear by the teenage years.

Signs of adenoid problems include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Mouth breathing
• Noisy breathing or snoring
• Recurrent ear infections
• Sleep apnea

In some cases, enlarged adenoids may affect a child’s growth and development if left untreated.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Enlarged adenoids can cause various symptoms that may require medical attention. If your child experiences persistent mouth breathing, snoring, frequent ear infections, or sleep problems, consult your healthcare provider.

Your child’s doctor will use specialized tools to examine the adenoids and may recommend treatment options, including medications or surgery if the symptoms are severe or persistent.

Keeping Your Child Healthy for Another Safe and Fun School Year

ENT issues can sneak up on children and their parents during the school year. By staying alert to the signs of ear infections, tonsillitis, and adenoid problems, parents can take quick action to help their children.

When illness strikes, it’s best to work closely with an ENT specialist to find the best treatment for your child. Fortunately, for those in Birmingham, AL, you can turn to ExcelENT to find the best care for your family. For expert advice and personalized care, schedule an appointment with us today!

Back-to-School Ready? Get Your Child’s ENT Health in Check with Excel!

As the new school year takes off, make sure your child has a healthy start! At ExcelENT in Birmingham, AL, our expert team is here to address any ear, nose, and throat concerns to ensure your child is ready to learn and play.

From routine check-ups to specialized care, we provide comprehensive evaluations and treatments for your child’s unique needs. Schedule an appointment with ExcelENT today and give your child the gift of a healthy, successful school year.