Common Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions in Kids

Lurie Children’s pediatric otolaryngology physicians treat more children for ear, nose and throat-related conditions than any other hospital in Illinois. Our expert pediatric otolaryngology specialists, Drs. Kathleen Billings, Douglas Johnston and Saied Ghadersohi, weigh in on questions parents may have about the most common ear, nose and throat conditions children can encounter. 

What ENT conditions are common in kids?

During the fall and winter, viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) become more common. These often begin as colds but can lead to middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, sinusitis or infected neck lymph nodes. When these infections are frequent or long-lasting, children may need care from an ENT specialist. 

How can you prevent common ENT conditions in kids?  

Upper respiratory infections spread through direct contact with sick individuals. For example, when someone with an upper respiratory infection coughs, they can spread the virus to those around them, particularly if they are not covering their mouth. This leads to the spread of infections in classrooms and daycare settings, where young children are not as likely to cover their mouths or wash their hands regularly.
  
Wearing masks when experiencing symptoms, proper hand hygiene and keeping sick children home from school or daycare are all ways to reduce the spread of infections.

How concerned should parents be about their children’s exposure to ear, nose and throat conditions?  

Parents can expect an increase in upper respiratory infections (URIs) and related conditions like ear and sinus infections during the fall and winter. If a child shows signs of repeated infections, parents should contact their primary care provider. The provider may refer them to an ENT specialist, especially if the child experiences multiple ear infections in a short period, which could indicate the need for ear tube placement.

How can pediatric ENT specialists help with common issues like sore throats, ear infections and tonsillitis? 

ENT experts treat a wide range of chronic or recurring conditions, including ear infections, sinus infections and tonsillitis. If a child experiences frequent infections, their primary care provider may refer them to an ENT specialist to explore treatment options, including surgery when needed.  

At Lurie Children's, our team evaluates the cause and severity of symptoms and helps families understand the most appropriate medical or surgical solutions. 

Can common ear, nose and throat conditions have long-term effects?  

Sometimes. While issues like sore throats and ear infections often impact quality of life short-term—causing missed school or activities—repeated infections can lead to complications.  

Frequent tonsillitis may require multiple courses of antibiotics, which can cause side effects or become less effective over time. Recurrent ear infections can lead to hearing loss, speech delays or chronic ear disease. In many cases, our care team can help prevent or manage these complications.  

How are these conditions usually treated?  

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Children with frequent sore throats from tonsillitis may be candidates for a tonsillectomy if they meet certain criteria.  

Ear infections are often treated with oral or topical antibiotics, though ear tube placement may be recommended for recurring cases. For sleep-related breathing issues, tonsil removal may help in severe cases, while milder symptoms can often be managed with nasal steroids or other medications. Each treatment plan is tailored to the child’s specific needs. 

If my child needs surgery, what can we expect?

If your child needs surgery for an ENT condition, the care team will guide you through each step, from the initial evaluation to preparing for the procedure. Common surgeries, like ear tube placement or tonsillectomy (with or without adenoid removal), are typically short and performed under general anesthesia. 

After surgery, you'll receive detailed instructions for at-home care, and the care team will be available to address any questions or concerns. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor recovery. 

Why is Lurie Children’s the best place for pediatric ENT care?  

Pediatric ear, nose and throat and head and neck specialists at Lurie Children’s understand that prolonged and recurrent head and neck infections can have a big impact on quality of life for children and entire families since they affect communication, sleep and general comfort.  

Through referral from a pediatrician, or self-referral, our specialists are available in person or via telemedicine to expertly examine and diagnose children and review the benefits and risks of the available treatment options. Patients can even schedule appointments online.  

As the premier pediatric hospital in the area, Lurie Children’s has the widest array of specialists that one can trust to be well-trained experts in their field.  

Learn more about Lurie Children’s ENT services 

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