Tonsils and adenoids are masses of lymphatic tissue located in the mouth and behind the nose respectively. They, along with other lymphatic tissue such as lymph nodes, help the body develop its immune system and fight infection.

The tonsils and adenoids complete nearly all of their work within the first few months of life. Many people wonder what will happen to their immune system after removal of either the tonsils or adenoids. Numerous studies have demonstrated that patients do not suffer more infections or other ill effects in their absence. On the contrary, the tonsils and adenoids can themselves be sources of infection on occasion and their removal under such circumstances usually results in fewer infections down the road.

>> Read more about tonsils, adenoids and post-operative information, including the answers to these questions:

• Do my tonsils or adenoids need to be removed?
• How will my child feel after surgery?
• What can he eat?
• What do I do for an upset stomach?
• Why do her ears hurt?
• Does she have an infection?

Click for larger image

Otitis Externa, or “swimmer’s ear,” is an infection of the ear canal. It is common in children exposed to water because the organisms that cause these infections love dark, humid environments. Ear pain and colored discharge are the most common

symptoms. There are three main ingredients for successful treatment: (1) avoid water in the ears, (2) see an Ear Nose Throat Doctor to have the ears cleaned, and (3) use any medicines as prescribed.

Middle Ear Infections occur in a small air pocket located behind the eardrum. Bacteria are the most common causes; however, viral infections also occur. Ear pain, fever, and a doctor’s conformation of an infected middle ear must all be present for proper diagnosis.

A visit to the doctor’s office is essential because other medical conditions such as teething, sore throats, and eustachian tube problems can all cause ear pain and fever and thus be mistaken for acute ear infections.

Treatment involves antibiotics, pain medicines, and if possible the elimination of “otitis prone” behaviors such as secondary smoke, daycare attendance, and supine bottle feeding. Sometimes other medical conditions such as allergies, reflux, or adenoid infections also contribute to ear infections.

One or two ear infections per year are considered normal. Persistent fluid behind the eardrum for a few days or weeks after an infection is also common.

Sometimes fluid in the middle ear lasts longer than a few weeks after an infection. This can cause hearing difficulties, pain, speech delay, and other problems

with the ears. Children with persistent middle ear effusions or frequent ear infections often benefit from evaluation by an Ear Nose Throat Physician.

>> Read more about Otitis Media, including the answers to these questions:

• What is the Eustachian Tube?
• What are Tympanostomy Tubes?
• What are the benefits of tubes?
• What problems can be seen with tubes?
• Can my child swim with tubes?

If you notice a bump on your child’s neck, odds are that it is a swollen lymph node which is temporarily enlarged due to an infection. They usually shrink in a couple of weeks.

Lumps greater than one centimeter that persist for three or more weeks should be evaluated by an Ear Nose and Throat Physician. Most are either inflammatory (responding to an infection,) or congenital (present at birth... even if they’re initially not large enough to detect.) Fortunately, cancer is

rare in children, but tumors can occur and are best-treated when diagnosed early.

After a thorough examination we might recommend a trial of medical treatment if an inflammatory cause is suspected. Imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI can be very helpful, especially for congenital masses. A fine needle biopsy can also provide valuable information about whether a mass is most likely inflammatory, congenital, or neoplastic.

• Tongue-tie
• Cleft lip and palate
• Ear infectionand vaccines
• Pediatric Food Allergies
• Head and Neck Tumors
• How many ways can you remove tonsils
• Is it the sniffles or sinusitis

• Day care and ENT problems
• Pediatric GERD
• Kids can have sleep apnea too
• Facial Trauma
• Pediatric Obesity and ENT Problems
• Doctor, please explain ear tubes