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Pediatric ENT

At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, our specialists provide compassionate care tailored for infants, children, and adolescents. From chronic ear infections and sore throats to hearing and speech disorders, airway and sinus issues, our providers offer treatments designed specifically for young patients. With specialized training and years of experience in pediatric ENT, the doctors deliver individualized, effective care that families can trust.

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The information provided below and throughout this website is presented for general educational purposes only and does NOT constitute professional medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice and NO material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Table Of Contents

Our Unique Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat Expertise
What Are the Most Common Types of Pediatric ENT Disorders in Children?
Trust Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy for Your Child’s Specialized Care
Why Choose Us to Treat Your Pediatric ENT Conditions?
Pediatric Symptoms FAQ’s

Our Unique Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat Expertise

At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, we combine advanced technology, a multidisciplinary team, and cutting-edge techniques to provide exceptional care for your child. We treat every child with the compassion and care they deserve.

Pediatric Technology

We use minimally invasive tools and endoscopic procedures designed specifically for children, ensuring comfort and faster recovery.

Collaborative Care

Our pediatric ENT providers work closely with pulmonologists, allergists, and other experts for comprehensive, coordinated treatment.

Advanced Techniques

From treating ear infections to airway disorders, we prioritize precision and minimally invasive approaches for optimal outcomes.

Pediatric ENT Testimonials

My child’s allergic rhinitis was causing them constant discomfort and affecting their daily life. Seeking the best care, I turned to Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Philadelphia. The team at Philadelphia location provided a thorough evaluation and identified the specific allergens triggering my child’s symptoms. They devised a comprehensive treatment plan, including allergen avoidance strategies, medication, and allergy shots. The dedicated care and attention given to my child were outstanding. Thanks to Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, my child’s allergic rhinitis is now well-managed, allowing them to thrive and enjoy a symptom-free life in Springfield.

5 stars

What Are the Most Common Types of Pediatric ENT Disorders in Children?

Common ENT conditions for children include illness and allergies. They’re exposed to different types of germs when they go to daycare, school, and recreational activities. Some of the most common pediatric ENT conditions are:

Pediatric Ear Infections

Ear infections in children may be painful, but in most cases, they are not dangerous.

Doctor,Examining,Little,Girl's,Ear,Using,Otoscope,,Looking,For,Infection. — Pediatric ear infections with symptoms like pain, fever, swelling, and when to see a doctor.

Symptoms:

Ear pain, redness, swelling, and drainage from the ear.
Fever and, in some cases, temporary hearing loss.

Diagnostic

Our ENT providers use instrumentation to check for redness, swelling, or fluid buildup in the ear.
Frequent infections may require further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Most cases are treated at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some infections may need antibiotics or hospital care.
Regular visits with an ENT doctor may be helpful for recurring ear infections.

Pediatric Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects millions of children every day. According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans suffer from some type of hearing loss. And according to the National Institutes of Health, 1 out of 5 children suffers from some form of hearing loss.

Beautiful,Child,Girl,Wearing,Casual,Clothes,Smiling,With,Hand,Over — Hearing loss affects communication, learning, and needs ENT specialists for treatment.

Symptoms:

Difficulty hearing sounds at school or at home.
Trouble understanding speech, which can affect learning and communication.

Diagnostic

Our pediatric ENT providers work closely with our audiologists to identify the type and extent of hearing loss.
Early evaluation helps create a tailored treatment plan.

Treatment

Options may include hearing aids, therapy, or surgical interventions to improve or restore hearing.
Ongoing monitoring is key to ensuring your child’s hearing stays on track.

Snoring and sleep apnea in children

Sleep apnea is a common problem among adults, but it’s also very prevalent among children. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, but not always.

Little,Boy,Snoring,While,Sleeping,In,Bed,,Top,View — Snoring in children may indicate sleep apnea, requiring diagnosis and potential treatment.

Symptoms:

Snoring, restless sleep, or frequent waking during the night.
May cause tiredness or trouble concentrating during the day.

Diagnostic

Our ENT doctors evaluate symptoms and may perform a sleep study to confirm sleep apnea.
Simple tests, such as observing breathing patterns during rest, can help identify the issue.

Treatment

Treatment may include lifestyle adjustments, CPAP therapy, or surgical procedures.
Addressing sleep apnea improves sleep quality and overall health. So when you’re looking at pediatric patients who snore, be aware that some may actually suffer from sleep apnea.

If you suspect a child has sleep apnea, consult an ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and evaluation.

Pediatric Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the glands located at the back of the throat just below the tongue.

Little,Girl,With,Sore,Throat,Touching,Her,Neck.sore,Throat,Sick.little — Pediatric tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics or sometimes surgery.

Symptoms:

Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.
Fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Diagnostic

A thorough evaluation by our ENT specialists to identify if the cause is viral or bacterial.
Tests like throat swabs may be used to confirm strep throat.

Treatment

Most cases are treated with antibiotics or supportive care.
Chronic or severe cases may require tonsil removal surgery performed by a children’s ENT doctor in Philadelphia.

Pediatric Sinusitis

Pediatric Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.

Flu,Concept,-,Upset,And,Sick,Child,Blowing,His,Nose — Pediatric sinusitis involves sinus inflammation, with symptoms like congestion and pain, treated with various options.

Symptoms:

Nasal congestion, facial pain, and headaches.
Cough, fever, or difficulty breathing.

Diagnostic

Our ENT specialists assess symptoms and may use endoscopes and imaging to confirm sinus inflammation.
Identifying the cause helps in selecting the best treatment approach.

Treatment

Options include antibiotics, saline irrigation, and decongestants, to name a few.
Allergy management or surgery may be recommended for chronic sinusitis.

Pediatric Allergies

Seasonal allergies usually occur in spring and fall when pollens and spores from plants begin to grow.

Pet allergy testing for children can help identify specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions, allowing parents to take steps to minimize exposure and manage symptoms effectively. — Pediatric allergies, including seasonal, food, and drug types, can cause symptoms like sneezing and itching.

Symptoms:

Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
Reactions to food or drugs can cause hives, swelling, or digestive issues.

Diagnostic

Allergy testing is performed by our Allergy team to identify triggers.
A detailed medical history helps pinpoint specific allergens.

Treatment

Treatments include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots.
Avoidance strategies and ongoing care are tailored for each child.

Pediatric Airway Problems

Airway problems are common among children and infants. They include laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), tracheomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and airway foreign bodies.

Children require specialized pediatric airway management techniques to ensure their safety and comfort. — Pediatric airway problems like LTS and tracheomalacia are treated with surgical or non-surgical options.

Symptoms:

Breathing difficulties, noisy breathing, or frequent respiratory infections.
Hoarseness or vocal changes.

Diagnostic

Our ENT specialists assess airway function using imaging or endoscopic evaluations.
Tests help determine if surgical or non-surgical care is needed.

Treatment

Treatments range from medications to improve breathing to surgical procedures for more severe conditions.
Our specialists provide personalized care to ensure the best outcomes.

Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects children and adults alike.

Symptoms:

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Symptoms can worsen during exercise or at night.

Diagnostic

Our pediatric allergy specialists perform pulmonary function tests to confirm asthma.
Identifying triggers like allergens or irritants is essential for management.

Treatment

Options include inhalers, medications, and creating an asthma action plan.
Regular follow-ups ensure the condition is well-controlled.

Neck Masses

Pediatric otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis and comprehensive care of children with neck masses.

Symptoms:

Swollen lymph nodes, lumps, or visible masses in the neck.
Pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues in some cases.

Diagnostic

Our ENT doctors evaluate the neck mass with imaging, biopsies, or other tests to determine the cause.
Early diagnosis helps identify whether it’s benign or requires further attention.

Treatment

Treatment may involve antibiotics, fluid drainage (aspiration), or surgical removal.
Larger or more serious masses may need specialized care, including surgery or additional testing.

Trust Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy for Your Child’s Specialized Care

Our specialists in NJ and Philadelphia provide reliable, expert care for your child’s needs.

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Why Choose Us to Treat Your Pediatric ENT Conditions?

At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, we combine expert ear nose and throat care, advanced treatments, and compassionate service to provide exceptional ENT care in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here’s why families trust us:

1. Highly Specialized Pediatric Expertise

Our board-certified ENT specialists have extensive training and experience in treating children’s unique ear, nose, and throat conditions.

2. Comprehensive Pediatric ENT Care

From common conditions like chronic ear infections, sinusitis, and tonsillitis to complex issues such as airway problems, neck masses, and hearing loss , we offer wide-ranging care for children and adolescents.

3. Advanced Technology and Minimally Invasive Treatments

We utilize cutting-edge tools and innovative, minimally invasive procedures to ensure safe and effective outcomes, reducing discomfort and recovery time.

4. Family-Centered and Compassionate Approach

We treat every child with the same care and compassion as we would our own. Parents are involved at every step of the diagnosis and treatment process for complete peace of mind.

5. Proven Results and Trusted Care

Backed by Penn Medicine’s reputation for excellence, our ENT specialists deliver personalized, evidence-based treatments that improve quality of life for young patients.

Doctor performing allergy skin test on patient's arm with numbered test sites and medical supplies on table. — Allergy skin testing helps identify specific allergens causing reactions in patients.

Your child’s health is our top priority. At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, we combine expertise, technology, and compassion to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

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Pediatric Symptoms FAQ’s

Why does my child experience frequent ear infections?

Pediatric ear infections occur when there is a blockage in the Eustachian tube, which permits fluid to build up in the inner ear and become infected. Children are prone to ear infections due to the size and shape of the Eustachian tube, which is still developing, and their frequent exposure to viruses and germs in daycare and school settings.

How can I treat my child’s ear infection?

Children who frequently suffer from ear infections might be eligible for the placement of ear tubes. These are hollow tubes that are placed in the ears surgically to ventilate and drain built-up fluid. This prevents infections from occurring and eliminates the danger of permanent hearing loss from repeat episodes.

My child’s doctor is recommending ear tubes. What are these, and why are they necessary?

Your child is suffering from a tonsil infection, a common malady that occurs when a virus or bacteria invades the tonsils. It can be caused by a number of factors, including colds, influenza, and bacteria. Most tonsil infections are not serious and clear up on their own. However, they are often associated with strep throat, a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, surgery to remove the tonsils is recommended but is reserved for severe or recurrent cases.

My child has a cold that won’t go away. What can I do about this?

If your child is experiencing cold-like symptoms that last longer than 10-14 days or recur frequently, he or she may be suffering from a sinus infection. This is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Your child’s doctor can run tests to verify that allergies or other diseases aren’t to blame and will prescribe a treatment plan that may include antihistamines, decongestants, saline drops, antibiotics, or surgery.

My child has been diagnosed with asthma. How is this treated?

Asthma is common in children, and while there is no cure, it is easily managed using a two-step approach. Long-term control medications to prevent symptoms from flaring up are taken daily, and rescue (quick-relief) medications are used for immediate relief during an asthma attack. Because the triggers that can cause asthma change over time, regular doctor’s appointments are recommended.

My child snores loudly every night. Should I be concerned?

Approximately 10% of children snore regularly. This occurs when excess throat tissue blocks the airways. It’s not always a serious condition, but if your child snores loudly – especially if the snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or thrashing in bed – then you should schedule an appointment with a doctor or ENT specialist. It could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that is marked by gaps in breathing and can lead to serious developmental and health issues. Solutions are available but don’t delay, as behavior and growth could be affected.