Children's ENT
Children experience ear, nose and throat problems more often than adults, partly because their airways and ear structures are still developing. Dr Mzoto provides Children's ENT care at his Benoni practice, treating everything from straightforward ear infections to more involved procedures such as grommet insertion.
What Conditions Are Covered By Children's ENT Care?
Many childhood ENT conditions relate to the ear, nose and throat working through early development, and they often present differently to how they would in an adult. Conditions commonly seen include:
- Ear infections and glue ear
- Hearing assessments and concerns about a child's hearing or speech development
- Grommet insertion for recurrent fluid or infection
- Adenoid and tonsil disease
- Tongue-tie assessment
- Snoring
- Recurrent sinus infections
When Should A Child See An ENT Surgeon?
Recurrent ear infections, a child who seems to be missing sounds or not responding as expected, persistent snoring, or frequent tonsillitis are all reasons to arrange an assessment.
Speech delay can sometimes be linked to an underlying hearing problem, so an early hearing assessment is often a useful starting point rather than something to leave until school age. Mouth breathing, poor sleep quality or a child who seems tired despite a full night's sleep can also point to enlarged tonsils or adenoids affecting the airway.
What Happens During A Child's ENT Consultation?
Assessments are adapted to a child's age and comfort, with a gentle examination of the ears, nose and throat, and a hearing assessment where relevant. Most examinations are quick and non-invasive, and parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout. Where fluid behind the eardrum, known as glue ear, is affecting hearing, grommets, tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum, are one of the more common procedures used to restore normal hearing while the underlying issue resolves.
The decision to proceed with grommets is generally based on how long the fluid has been present and how much it is affecting hearing and development.
What Treatment Options Are Available For Children?
Many childhood ENT conditions improve with monitoring or a course of treatment, and some resolve naturally as a child grows out of them. Where surgery is appropriate, such as grommet insertion, adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, these are performed at Netcare Linmed Hospital, with the process explained clearly to both parent and child beforehand, including what the day of the procedure will involve.
Recurrent sinus infections and snoring are also assessed with an eye to how they may relate to conditions covered under nose & sinus care.
What Can Parents Expect?
Most children recover quickly from procedures such as grommet insertion, though tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy involve a longer recovery of a week or two, with some discomfort and a softer diet during that time. Dr Mzoto talks parents through what to expect at home, including pain management and warning signs to watch for, so there is a clear plan in place before the day of the procedure.
How Should You Prepare For Your Child's Consultation?
A little preparation goes a long way with a paediatric assessment. It helps to bring:
- A brief timeline of the symptoms, including how often ear infections or tonsillitis episodes occur
- Any concerns about hearing, speech or language development
- Notes on your child's sleep, including snoring, mouth breathing or restlessness
- A list of any antibiotics or other medication already used for the condition
Will My Child Need Grommets Again?
Grommets usually work their way out on their own over a period of months, and many children do not need them again once the underlying glue ear has resolved. Some children, particularly younger ones or those with ongoing nasal or sinus issues, do experience a recurrence and may need a further set. This is discussed at follow-up appointments, where hearing is checked to confirm the grommets are still doing their job.
For families needing an assessment, get in touch to book a consultation with our ENT Surgeon in Benoni.