As children grow, it’s important to pay extra attention to their developing bodies and senses. According to national health statistics, the most common reason children visit a physician are for ear, nose and throat disorders. Children are not expected to know when it is time to see a physician, which is why understanding certain signs and behaviors can help alert you to know when it is time to bring your child in for treatment and help relieve their symptoms.
Food Allergies
As many as six million children live with some kind of food allergy in the United States, with the most common being peanuts and milk. With some children being back in the classroom and Valentine’s Day parties just around the corner, it’s important to keep a close eye out for the following common signs of an allergic reaction:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes
- Upset stomach
There are so many different ways to keep your child safe and prevent allergic reactions from happening. For example, let your child’s teacher know about any foods that trigger allergic reactions, keep certain foods in a separate container to avoid cross contamination and educate your child on foods they can and cannot have.
Ear Infections
One of the most common ear conditions found in babies and young children are middle ear infections, also known as otitis media. This is caused by pus or fluid build-up in the ear canal behind the eardrum, which results in pain and mild deafness. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Earache
- Headache
- Fever
- Discharge from the ear
- Difficulty sleeping
Some helpful tips that can help avoid your child from suffering an ear infection include – regularly cleaning their ears, carefully drying their ears after swimming or a shower, thoroughly washing your hands and avoiding smoking around them.
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
There are a few reasons why your child may be suffering from a sore throat, but one of the most common conditions physicians treat in children is pharyngitis. Pharyngitis has different causes, but is typically a result of a viral infection. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for are:
- Sore throat
- Trouble or painful swallowing
- Hoarseness or change in voice
- Fever or chills
- Ear pain
- Headache
Although pharyngitis can be treated, it is important to take precautions. Have your child practice good hygiene, keep them away from people who have sore throats, colds or other respiratory infections and most importantly, keep them updated on all their vaccines.
If your child is displaying any of the symptoms above, then it may be time to visit an ENT physician for immediate treatment. With numerous treatment plans available, our team of physicians at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy can help eliminate their symptoms and get back to a normal routine.
The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for over 45 years. Their board certified physicians have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in their area(s) of expertise. From pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, their caring and experienced physicians specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting edge technologies.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 879-8045 or visit Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online atwww.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.