Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat — Ankara

Which complaints are seen

A child often cannot describe the problem. The indirect signs a parent notices therefore matter: sleeping with the mouth open, restless nights, turning the television up, not responding when called, difficulty concentrating at school.

• Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
• Recurrent middle ear infection and fluid behind the eardrum
• Hearing loss and delayed speech
• Frequently recurring upper respiratory infections
• Allergic rhinitis and constant nasal discharge
• Snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep
• A foreign body in the nose or ear
• Swelling in the neck

How the examination works

We talk to the child first and examine afterwards. Showing what the instruments do markedly reduces fear in most children.

Alongside examination of the ears, nose and throat, a hearing test and tympanometry to measure middle ear pressure are performed where needed. Assessment of the adenoid uses a fine flexible endoscope; the procedure takes a few seconds and most children tolerate it.

When to wait and when to act

The most frequent decision in paediatric ENT is not whether to operate but whether to wait. Adenoids and tonsils can shrink with age, and fluid behind the eardrum can clear on its own.

There are situations where waiting causes harm. If there are pauses in breathing during sleep, if hearing loss is affecting speech development, or if a child is not gaining weight, waiting costs something. Telling these apart requires measurement: a hearing test, endoscopy and, where needed, a sleep study.

Recovery

1. First consultation Detailed history, ENT examination and endoscopic assessment where needed.
2. Investigations Hearing test, tympanometry, allergy testing or a sleep study if indicated.
3. Decision Whether to observe, treat medically or operate is decided together with the family.
4. Follow-up If observation is chosen, reassessment takes place at set intervals.

These are average times; recovery varies from person to person.