Top 7 Most Common ENT Issues in Children

Common ENT Issues in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) problems in children are among the most frequently encountered health issues in pediatric populations. Parents often seek help from the best pediatrician in Bangalore or search for a pediatrician near me open now when their child shows symptoms like ear pain, sore throat, or nasal blockage.Children are more susceptible to ENT diseases due to their developing immune systems, anatomical factors like shorter Eustachian tubes, and high exposure to respiratory infections in daycare or school environments. These conditions can range from mild infections to more severe disorders that impact hearing, speech, and overall development.

1.Otitis Media (Acute and Recurrent)

Otitis media refers to inflammation or infection of the middle ear. It is particularly prevalent in children due to their shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which facilitate the spread of infections from the nasopharynx.

Types include:

Acute Otitis Media (AOM): Sudden onset of middle ear infection, often with pain and fever.
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Fluid accumulation without acute symptoms, sometimes called “glue ear.”
Recurrent Otitis Media: Multiple episodes of acute infections within a year.
Guidance for feeding practices and weaning.
Developmental milestone tracking.
Parental education on safety and wellness.

Etiology

Bacterial and viral causes.Risk factors daycare attendance, passive smoking, bottle feeding in a supine position, craniofacial anomalies (e.g., cleft palate)

Clinical Features

2. Tonsillitis / Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the tonsils, while pharyngitis affects the throat. Both are extremely common in school-age children and may be viral or bacterial. Children typically show sore throats, fever, and difficulty swallowing. The tonsils may appear swollen and red, sometimes with pus. Bad breath and swollen neck glands are frequent in recurrent cases. If not treated, bacterial tonsillitis can result in serious complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Management includes:

Parents often rely on a good pediatrician near me to decide if surgical intervention is necessary.

3. Adenoid Hypertrophy

The adenoids are lymphoid tissue behind the nose. While mild enlargement is common, pathological enlargement blocks airflow, causing constant nasal obstruction. Children with this condition usually breathe through their mouths, snore heavily, and may have sleep disturbances. Chronic cases can even lead to “adenoid facies,” where the child’s face becomes long with an open mouth and high palate.

Complications may include:

Treatment:

At the best pediatric hospital in Bangalore, ENT surgeons work closely with a pediatric pulmonologist near me when children also show sleep-disordered breathing.

4. Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an immune reaction to allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander. It’s a frequent reason parents seek out the best pediatricians in Bangalore for their child’s constant sneezing or congestion.Typical signs include runny nose, nasal itching, sneezing fits, watery eyes, and mouth breathing. Many children also suffer from poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, and worsening asthma symptoms.

Treatment options include:

5. Sinusitis (Acute and Chronic)

Sinusitis occurs when the paranasal sinuses become infected or inflamed, often after a cold. Children typically present with persistent congestion, thick nasal discharge, cough that worsens at night, and sometimes facial pain. If untreated, sinusitis can become chronic or spread to areas around the eyes and brain.

Management:

Parents often consult the best pediatrician in Bangalore when sinus infections begin to affect their child’s school attendance and energy levels.

6. Foreign Body in Nose or Ear

It’s common for children to insert objects like beads, peanuts, or small toys into their nose or ears. This usually causes pain, hearing loss, discharge, or one-sided foul-smelling nasal fluid. If left untreated, these objects can cause secondary infections or even aspiration if they slip back into the airway.

Management requires:

In emergencies, parents quickly search for a pediatrician near me open now to prevent complications.

7. Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by airway obstruction during sleep, most often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Children may snore loudly, pause breathing during sleep, or wake up restless. In the daytime, they appear irritable, sleepy, and struggle with concentration.

Complications can include:

Treatment:

Conclusion

ENT problems in children are common, but if left untreated, they can impact speech, hearing, breathing, and overall development. Parents should consult the best pediatric hospital in Bangalore or the best pediatricians in Bangalore at the first sign of recurring ENT issues. At Shishuka Children’s Hospital, our team of experts—including pediatric pulmonologists near me—provide complete care. From wheeze treatments and allergy management to advanced ENT surgeries, we ensure that children receive the right care, at the right time, in the most compassionate environment.