Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
ENT problems in children: care in Kharadi, Pune
Children often have ear, nose and throat problems, especially in the early school years when colds are frequent. Most settle on their own or with simple treatment, but some need an ENT specialist’s assessment. Dr. Sudhir Halikar sees children as well as adults.
This page is for information only. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult a doctor.
Common ENT problems in children
- Ear infections and ear pain, often after a cold
- Glue ear: fluid behind the eardrum that can reduce hearing and delay speech
- Enlarged adenoids, causing a blocked nose, mouth breathing and snoring
- Repeated tonsillitis and sore throats
- Nasal allergy, with sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
- Objects pushed into the ear or nose, such as beads, seeds or small toys
- Nosebleeds, often from nose picking or dry air
- Noisy breathing
Signs to watch for
- Snoring with pauses in breathing, or restless sleep
- Mouth breathing during the day
- Not responding when called, or turning up the TV
- Speech that is slower to develop than expected
- Frequent ear infections, or ear discharge
- Smelly discharge from one nostril, which can mean an object is stuck in the nose
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist if your child has repeated ear infections or sore throats, snores with pauses in breathing, or you are concerned about their hearing or speech. If your child has pushed something into the ear or nose, do not try to remove it yourself, as this can push it further in; see a doctor promptly.
Get emergency help at once if a child has difficulty breathing, sudden noisy breathing, may have swallowed or inhaled an object (for example a coin or button battery), or is drooling and unable to swallow.
How children are assessed at the clinic
Dr. Halikar will talk with you and your child about the symptoms and examine the ears, nose and throat, taking care to keep your child comfortable. Depending on the problem, a hearing test, an endoscopic examination or an X-ray may be advised. Objects in the ear or nose need careful removal with proper instruments, and some children need a short general anaesthetic for this.
Treatment options
Many children’s ENT problems improve with time and simple treatment. Depending on the cause, options include:
- Watchful waiting, as many ear infections and cases of glue ear settle by themselves
- Medicines such as ear drops, nasal sprays or antibiotics when needed
- Treatment of nasal allergy
- Grommets (tiny ventilation tubes) for glue ear that persists and affects hearing
- Removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids for repeated infections or breathing problems during sleep
Decisions about surgery are discussed with parents, taking into account how the problem affects the child’s sleep, hearing, speech, school and general health.
Tips for parents
- Do not put cotton buds or other objects into your child’s ears
- Keep small objects, coins and button batteries out of reach of young children
- Avoid smoking around children; tobacco smoke increases ear and chest infections
- Feed babies in an upright position, and never prop up a bottle in bed
- Keep up with routine vaccinations, which protect against some infections that affect the ears and throat
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to see an ENT for every ear infection?
No. Many ear infections are managed by a family doctor or paediatrician and settle within a few days. See an ENT specialist for repeated infections, discharge that continues, or concerns about hearing.
Will my child grow out of glue ear?
Many children do, often within about three months. If glue ear persists and affects hearing or speech, treatment such as grommets may be considered.
Is snoring normal in children?
Occasional snoring with a cold is common. Regular loud snoring, pauses in breathing or restless sleep is not normal and should be assessed, as enlarged tonsils or adenoids are a common cause.
My child put something in their nose. What should I do?
Do not try to remove it with tweezers or cotton buds. If your child is breathing normally, see a doctor promptly. If there is any difficulty breathing, get emergency help at once.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Paediatric flexible and rigid laryngobronchoscopy
- Endoscopic powered adenoidectomy and coblation adenoidectomy
- Myringotomy with grommet insertion
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.