Most of us remember what it was like to be sick as a kid. The popsicles, cartoons, and ability to stay home from school can make it seem like a fond memory.
But the truth is, ear and upper respiratory infections make children miserable, and can lead to more severe issues, if not treated properly.
80% of children will come into the office with a painful earache before age 2, according to statistics from the CDC. Studies also show that ear, nose, and throat issues are the number-one complaint of children seeing their pediatrician.
February is Kids’ ENT Health Month, and Jefferson Surgical Clinic is helping to raise awareness of symptoms and treatment.
At Jefferson Surgical Clinic, we see many ear, nose and throat complaints at this time of year. The most common issue is recurrent ear infections, otherwise known as Otitis Media.
Treatment of Otitis Media sometimes requires the insertion of ventilation tubes in the eardrum of the patient, but this surgery is easily tolerated and very effective. Other frequent pediatric complaints include sinusitis, tonsillitis, and breathing problems such as bronchitis or laryngitis.
If your child is coughing, has a low-grade fever for more than three days, has a runny nose or trouble swallowing, it may be time to see the doctor.