Pediatric Otolaryngology
Comprehensive Support for Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions in Children and Adolescents
Most children will have their share of sore throats and earaches over the years. When things get more serious, your child may require treatment from the experienced pediatric otolaryngology doctors at Loyola Medicine.
From tonsillitis to sinusitis, we care for children with a variety of problems involving the ear, nosae and throat, including:
- Airway obstruction
- Allergies
- Ankyloglossia (tongue tie)
- Cleft lip and palate
- Complex airway diseases
- Congenital head and neck masses
- Ear wax impaction
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Excessive drooling
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Head and neck tumors
- Hearing loss
- Nasal drainage
- Nasal obstruction or fracture
- Noisy breathing
- Recurrent ear infections
- Sinus infections and treatment
- Sleep apnea (when breathing stops temporarily)
- Sore throat
- Speech and voice disorders
- Swallowing problems
- Tonsillitis
- Vocal cord cysts
Loyola’s board-certified doctors work as part of a multidisciplinary team with general pediatricians, pediatric audiologists, pulmonologists, allergists, head and neck surgeons, plastic surgeons and other specialists. Together, we will create a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan for your child and put your family at the center of care.
Why Choose Loyola for Pediatric Otolaryngology?
Loyola’s pediatric otolaryngologists take an integrated approach to caring for pediatric ear, nose and throat conditions. Our team understands the particular developmental needs of children and ensures that each child receives comprehensive, individualized care.
Loyola’s clinicians welcome families to be involved in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and recovery; they are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have. We are actively engaged in research to find new and better treatments for children with ear, nose and throat conditions.
At Loyola, we understand the importance of continuity of care and will provide seamless communication with your child’s pediatrician through our secure medical information portal, LoyolaConnect. You can also access results from your child’s lab tests and evaluations through myLoyola.
How are Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Diagnosed in Children?
Children with ear, nose and throat problems may exhibit congestion, a sore throat, ear pain, a change in voice or speech, noisy breathing or trouble hearing. The goal of Loyola’s pediatric otolaryngology specialists is to provide a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan for your child as soon as possible.
In order to determine and understand the cause of your child’s symptoms, your child’s doctor will start with your child’s medical history and a complete physical exam to look at his or her ears, nose, throat, mouth and sinuses. Your child’s doctor may also conduct testing that may include:
- Allergy testing
- Arterial blood gases test
- Ciliary function test
- CT scan (computed tomography) of the sinuses
- Fiberoptic laryngoscopy
- Nasal culture
- Nasal endoscopy
- Pulmonary function test
- Throat culture
How are Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Treated in Children?
Your child’s healthcare team will explore conservative treatments first and foremost. If your child’s condition is not well controlled with other treatments, surgical options may be considered.
Loyola’s pediatric otolaryngologists provide expertise and precision in treatments and surgical procedures, including:
- Adenoidectomy
- Cleft lip and cleft palate repair
- Correction of airway obstruction
- CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure)
- Ear drainage tubes
- External ear and middle ear reconstruction
- Facial plastic surgery
- Laser bronchoscopy
- Nasal surgery
- Removal of aspirated food and other foreign bodies
- Removal of wax or fluids from ears
- Septoplasty
- Sinus surgery
- Skull-based surgery
- Tonsillectomy
- Tracheostomy
- Tumor removal
Exceptional Care to Treat Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions in Children
The cleft lip and palate program at Loyola helps correct cleft lip and palate in children, along with the ear, nose and throat problems often associated with this condition. The problems with this condition go well beyond appearance; patients with cleft lip and palate may also have chronic ear infections, airway obstructions, sleep apnea, speech disorders, ear disease, hearing loss and inflammation of the sinuses and inner lining of the nose.
We partner with plastic and reconstructive surgeons to treat cleft lip, cleft palate and nasal repair. Additional services include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- Pharyngoplasty
- Placement of ear tubes
- Rhinoplasty
- Septoplasty
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