There’s nothing more important than our children’s health. However, they can sometimes have a hard time telling us what’s wrong with them. This is especially true when they are very young. It can be fairly apparent when a child isn’t feeling well. But how do you figure out how to best help them?
This turns us into detectives. We are forced to look at clues to make educated guesses as to a possible source of their discomfort. And it is only once we are able to get a general idea of what could be wrong that we are able to start treating them.
This process begins at a very general level — where could you take your child to receive the best care?
A general practitioner is usually a good place to start, but this can be a waste of time if they are going to recommend you visit a pediatric ear, nose & throat specialist in Nashville, TN.
This is why we’ve compiled 7 signs you should bring your child to a pediatric ENT specialist:
Nose Bleeds
Hearing Issues
Trouble Swallowing
Snoring
Ear Infections
Frequent Colds
Sinus Problems
1. Nose Bleeds
A bloody nose isn’t exactly rare, especially for children. A simple bump on the nose can leave you running for the tissues. However, a nosebleed can be a symptom of issues more serious than a simple bump or an over-picked nose.
You should seek the advice of a pediatric ENT specialist if you notice your child experiencing a bloody nose a few times in a single week, or especially if you see it a few times in a single day.
2. Hearing Issues
Our children might not listen to us every time we speak to them. This isn’t always due to a sporadic attention span or a refusal to follow the rules. A difficulty hearing can occasionally arise in young children.
This doesn’t mean you need to panic. Something as simple as a buildup of earwax can result in trouble hearing. However, you should bring your child in to diagnose and treat whatever might be causing the hearing issues.
Visit Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee (OAT) to learn more about our pediatric ENT services in Nashville, TN!
3. Trouble Swallowing
A child that isn’t able to easily swallow liquids could be experiencing any number of issues. Ask your child if it hurts to swallow. If the answer is yes, take the child to a pediatric ENT as soon as you can.
Again, this isn’t necessarily cause for major alarm. These issues can frequently be treated through a regimen of antibiotics. But difficulty swallowing can lead to a child not getting enough liquids and trouble eating. We don’t want our kids to be uncomfortable.
4. Snoring
Children are not immune from sleep apnea. Excessive snoring, restless sleep, and daytime lethargy can be a sign they are having troubles at night. Swollen tonsils can obstruct the airways while a child sleeps and should be addressed by a specialist.
Continued snoring is not normal for a child, although occasional snores will happen from time to time. Pay attention to how well they are sleeping and visit an ENT if issues persist.
5. Ear Infections
The majority of children will experience an ear infection over the course of a few years. This is normal. However, it is not normal for a child to experience an ear infection every year. These can usually be cleared up with antibiotics, but more extreme cases occasionally arise.
Visit a pediatric ENT if your child either has a resistance to antibiotics, or experiences multiple ear infections within six months. Ear tubes are most likely necessary in this scenario and are the best way to ease your child’s pain.
6. Long-lasting Colds
Children tend to get a lot of colds. This is a result of their little bodies being unable to defend themselves against hearty infections, as well as frequent exposure to other children at school. This is normal, even to a frequent degree. A child that experiences a cold every few weeks is unfortunate, but probably not in need of immediate and severe help.
However, a cold that persists for longer than a week warrants a trip to the pediatric ENT. This is particularly true if you notice the symptoms growing worse.
7. Sinus Problems
Our sinuses can be a constant source of discomfort. This is also true for children. Everything from seasonal allergies, to a frequently runny nose, all the way up to difficulty breathing could benefit from a visit to the pediatric ENT.
These issues in particular can benefit from a pediatric ENT that also specializes in treating allergies such as Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee (OAT) in Nashville, TN. We can help your entire family if any of these symptoms pop up.
