Paediatric ENT

Children’s ear, nose and throat conditions present slightly differently than in adults. In particular, babies and young children have narrower, shorter Eustachian tubes, making the middle ear more susceptible to inflammation and infection. Known as otitis media, this can occur with or without the presence of fluid — when fluid is present, the condition is called otitis media with effusion, or glue ear.

Fluid in the middle ear can also impair the transmission of sound, resulting in hearing loss in children — a by-product of which can be speech delay. Ventilation tubes or grommets can aerate the middle ear to minimise ear infections, reduce fluid accumulation and improve hearing.

Other common conditions affecting children include disorders of the tonsils and adenoids, allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion), recurrent nosebleeds (epistaxis), snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.

As a highly trained and experienced ENT surgeon for both children and adults, Dr Padhye is also dedicated to his family and has three young children. He is highly sensitive to the needs of children — both clinically and emotionally — and understands that a child’s treatment impacts the entire family, always considering the bigger picture when determining the treatment plan.

When to refer to an ENT surgeon

If your child has experienced the following in a recurrent or persistent manner, it is recommended that you seek a referral to an ENT surgeon after consulting with your GP first:

• Otitis media (ear infection) or glue ear (middle ear fluid)
• Speech delay
• Recurrent sore throats
• Loud snoring, mouth breathing, suspected sleep apnoea or sleep-disordered breathing
• Nasal congestion and/or rhinitis (hay fever, blocked or runny nose)
• Nosebleeds

Procedures we offer