The importance of pediatric ENT Examination

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The Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) examination, also known as pediatric otolaryngology examination, is essential for diagnosing many diseases in children. From the fetal period in the mother's womb to the end of childhood, there can be various ENT-related conditions. Especially in high-risk pregnancies or due to some problems during or after childbirth, hearing problems may occur in infants.

The most common ENT diseases in children include upper respiratory tract infections (cold, flu), middle ear infections, and throat infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis). If these conditions persist despite treatment, a comprehensive ENT examination is necessary for children. Children experiencing problems in the lower and upper respiratory tract should be seen by an ENT specialist because the nose is the beginning of the respiratory tract, and the air going to the lungs is heated, moisturized, and cleaned in the nose. If there is a blockage in the nose, the air going to the lungs becomes unhealthy, leading to lung diseases.
 

The Importance of Observing Young Children

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School-age children typically express problems such as ear pain, hearing loss, and nasal congestion. However, younger children who cannot articulate their problems need to be well observed by their families. For example, a child who does not respond appropriately to sounds may have serious hearing problems. Similarly, in children with speech problems, the most commonly identified issue is hearing impairment.

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The Role of ENT Examination in Making Accurate Diagnoses

ENT diseases are diverse, and various surgical techniques are applied for the treatment of chronic sinusitis due to structural abnormalities. The type of surgery varies depending on factors such as bone curvature, polyps, or the presence of tumors causing sinusitis. Operations that leave no scars are performed under general anesthesia using an endoscope (camera system).

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The Role of ENT Examination in Tonsillectomy

Tonsils play a crucial role in the body's defense, especially during infancy and childhood. Therefore, removing the tonsils is not recommended unless it is deemed necessary. Whether it is necessary or not is determined through ENT examination. For example, if a child has had more than 5-6 consecutive tonsillitis attacks, along with problems such as adenoid and middle ear issues or frequent sinusitis, the decision to remove the tonsils is made after examinations.

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Vocal Cord Examination

Children who scream a lot or speak loudly may develop vocal cord nodules, which are calluses on the vocal cords. This condition manifests itself as hoarseness. However, if a child experiences persistent hoarseness without yelling or speaking loudly, a vocal cord examination by an ENT specialist is necessary.

The Importance of ENT Examination in Adenoid Treatment

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Adenoids are a problem seen in many children, and if not treated early, they can lead to serious illnesses. Adenoids, located behind the nose, in the upper part of the throat, play an important role in killing bacteria during childhood and ensuring the development of the immune system. Adenoids are small in newborns but can grow, especially around the age of 4-5, due to infections. If adenoids are large, they cause nasal congestion and create an obstacle to healthy breathing. Children who cannot breathe through their noses breathe through their mouths. If there is a blockage in the nose, the air going to the lungs becomes unhealthy, leading to lung diseases. Therefore, removing adenoids is important, and the decision is made after examinations during ENT consultations.

ENT examinations in children are performed with thin endoscopes in a way that does not harm the children. After listening to complaints from the family and the child, the examination reveals that the symptoms may be related to more than one ENT disorder.

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