Dothan Pediatric ENT Clinic

Infection of the middle ear (otitis media) is a common problem, particularly for children younger than 3 years of age. The symptoms include fever, earache, and occasional drainage from the ear. Other less dramatic symptoms, but of equal concern, are persistent fussiness or temporary hearing impairment.

 

Children with persistent infections that do not respond to medications usually benefit from drainage tubes, called tympanotomy tubes, inserted into the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear. Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis are infections associated with the throat.

 

The tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue that are located in the back of the mouth on the side of the throat. Tonsils are thought to help fight infections by producing antibodies. The tonsils can usually be seen in the throat of your child by using a light. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed from infection.

 

Adenoids are similar to the tonsils. The adenoids are made up of lymph tissue and are located in the space above the soft roof of the mouth (nasopharynx) and cannot be seen by looking in your child’s nose or throat. Adenoids also help to fight infections. Adenoids may cause problems if they become enlarged or infected. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection, the severity of the infection, and the number of times the child has developed infections. Some children have to have the tonsils and adenoids removed.

 

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) surgery is the second most common major surgery for pediatrics in the US.