Pediatrics
ENTCare SWFL provides evaluation and treatment for common ear, nose, throat and sleep-related conditions affecting children, from newborns through adolescence.
Ear Conditions
Ear problems are among the most common reasons children are referred to an ENT physician.
Recurrent otitis media involves repeated middle-ear infections or persistent fluid behind the eardrum. These problems can affect comfort, hearing and speech development in some children. Treatment may include medical management with oral antibiotics when appropriate and surgical consultation for ear tube placement when recurrent infections or persistent fluid warrant further treatment.
Swimmer's ear is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal that can cause ear pain, drainage, itching or tenderness. Treatment is commonly managed with topical ear drops following evaluation.
Throat & Sleep
Tonsils, adenoids and the upper airway can affect breathing, swallowing and the quality of a child's sleep.
Tonsillitis and adenoiditis are inflammation or infection of the tonsils and adenoids. Recurrent episodes can contribute to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, nasal obstruction and sleep problems. ENTCare SWFL offers surgical consultation for adenotonsillectomy for children age 3 and older when clinically appropriate.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child's upper airway repeatedly narrows or becomes blocked during sleep. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common contributors. Evaluation may include assessment of the tonsils, adenoids and upper airway. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be recommended when appropriate.
Tongue-tie is caused by a short or restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue that can interfere with tongue movement and may affect feeding or speech. ENTCare SWFL offers in-office tongue-tie evaluation and treatment for newborns when appropriate. Treatment may often be performed without general anesthesia depending on the individual child and clinical situation.
Nose & Sinus
Congestion, drainage and nosebleeds can have several possible causes, and evaluation helps identify what is contributing.
Pediatric sinusitis involves inflammation or infection of the sinuses and may cause congestion, drainage, facial pressure, cough or recurrent infections. ENTCare SWFL offers allergy evaluation as part of the work-up when appropriate, including allergy testing for children age 5 and older and blood-based RAST allergy testing for younger children when indicated.
Children can develop recurrent nosebleeds from dryness, irritation, trauma, inflammation or other causes. In-office cauterization may be offered in appropriate cases. Children who require anesthesia may be treated through a local surgery center when clinically indicated.
Nasal obstruction can result from inflammation, enlarged nasal tissues, structural problems, polyps or other causes and may interfere with normal nasal breathing. ENTCare SWFL offers in-office nasal endoscopy for diagnostic evaluation. Medical treatment with topical nasal sprays is often considered first, with surgical consultation available when indicated.
Every child is different. Your physician will determine which evaluations or treatment options may be appropriate.
Request an appointment with Dr. Price Sonkarley to discuss your child's ear, nose, throat or sleep concerns.
