There are some conditions that your child’s pediatrician will treat, like the flu or a cold, and others where they may refer you to an ENT specialist. Let’s look at what an ENT specialist does and what you can expect from your child’s appointment.
What Do ENT Specialists Treat?
An ENT, or otolaryngologist, treats conditions related to the ears, nose and throat. Some ENTs, including those at ENT of Georgia North, also offer facial plastic surgery, allergy and sleep services. A few examples of conditions they treat include:
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Swallowing disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Sinus infection
- Loss of smell
- Ear infection and ear tubes
- Swimmer’s ear
- Eardrum perforation
Check out our service pages for a complete list of what we offer!
Your Child’s ENT Appointment
Your child’s ENT appointment will likely follow these steps:
- Medical review. Your child’s ENT specialist will review their medical records and ask you questions about their history. Come prepared with information about how long your child has been sick, what their symptoms are and how they’ve changed over time.
- Exam. After reviewing your child’s medical history, their specialist will gently examine the ears, nose or throat, depending on their symptoms. We know doctor’s visits can feel intimidating for children, so our team prioritizes comfort, patience and clear explanations. We’ll describe each step in simple terms, move at your child’s pace and invite you to stay close to help them feel safe and supported throughout the exam.
- Imaging. In some cases, we’ll use imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI or another option, to diagnose your child.
- Treatment. Depending on the cause of your child’s symptoms, we’ll recommend an effective treatment to address them. For example, if they have frequent ear infections, we may suggest ear tubes. If they have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine or lifestyle changes might be in order.
If ENT symptoms like a sore throat, ear pain or a stuffy nose are keeping your child from enjoying time at the Grant Park playground with their friends, we can help. Contact ENT of Georgia North today to schedule a pediatric ENT appointment with one of our trusted and caring experts.
