Pediatric Otolaryngologists - San Diego, CA

What is Pediatric Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)?

Pediatric otolaryngologists, also known as pediatric ear, nose & throat doctors (ENT doctors), are physicians who treat children's disorders of the ear, nasal, and throat structures. These disorders can include children's issues with speech, breathing, swallowing, hearing, speaking, and craniofacial (head and neck) tumors. Pediatric ENT doctors may also provide long-term care for children who require repeated treatments. Pediatric ENT doctors can diagnose and care for the following conditions:

Ear disorders, such as ear infections, hearing loss, ruptured eardrum, and ear deformities
Nasal disorders, such as sinusitis (ear infection), nasal blockage, and epistaxis (nose bleeds)
Throat disorders, such as tonsillitis, dysphagia (swallowing problems), and sleep apnea
Vocal cord conditions, including lesions, paralysis, and dysfunction
Neck and head disorders, such as thyroid tumors, diseased lymph nodes, head and neck masses
Airway disorders, such as tracheal stenosis, laryngomalacia, and stridor (noisy breathing)

Pediatric ENT doctors frequently use an otoscope (a lighted tool) to examine the ear and ear canal. If hearing disorders are suspected, a pediatric ENT doctor may order an auditory brainstem response (ABR) hearing test. For nasal problems, patients can undergo a nasendoscopy (nose exam). Throat and airway issues may be diagnosed through fiberoptic laryngoscopy (small camera device which examines the throat), a sleep study, and/or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Pediatric ENT doctors may also use culture biopsies (tissue samples), where laboratory tests by a pathologist may reveal abnormalities. Pediatric ENT doctors may refer patients to pediatric radiologists for CT and MRI diagnostic scans. If a disorder is detected, pediatric ENT doctors may provide treatments such as:

Cochlear implants, hearing aids, and ear surgery for ear and hearing disorders
Laryngotracheal reconstruction, tonsillectomy (tonsil removal), adenoidectomy (adenoid removal) for airway and throat disorders
Proton beam therapy for tumors (less invasive than radiation) and thyroid surgery for head and neck disorders
Septoplasty (deviated septum surgery) for nasal disorders
Airway dilation, airway stenting, respiratory therapy for breathing disorders
Vocal cord mass removal and speech therapy for vocal cord and speech disorders
Cleft palate care

Pediatric ENT doctors frequently consult with other pediatric specialists such as pediatric audiologists, speech language pathologists, child-life specialists, pediatric radiologists, allergists, and pediatric plastic surgeons, among other pediatric medical professionals.