Respiratory disorders of Children:

Overview of Adenotonsillectomy (Tonsil removal surgery):

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (tissue at the back of throat and nose) can disrupt breathing, sleep, and ear health. Symptoms like frequent sore throats, snoring, sleep apnea, or ear infections suggest a problem.

An adenotonsillectomy surgically removes both tonsils and adenoids. Doctors recommend this procedure when conservative treatments like antibiotics fail, or complications like sleep apnea arise.

See a paediatric doctor if:

• Sore throats occur more than 7 times a year.
• Snoring disrupts sleep or causes daytime fatigue.
• Breathing pauses during sleep (sleep apnea).
• Frequent ear infections or hearing loss occur.

The surgery is minimally invasive with a quick recovery.

Myringotomy with Grommet Insertion for Glue Ear

Fluid build-up behind the eardrum (glue ear) can muffle sound and impact speech.
In case medications or observation period don’t help, myringotomy with grommet insertion is carried out.

Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing, especially for speech.
• Frequent ear infections.
• Dizziness or feeling off balance
• Difficulty learning or delays in speech development (in children)

Diagnosis:

• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or tympanometry tests check inner ear function.
• Otoscope examination to see the eardrum.

Procedure:

Myringotomy with grommet insertion is a surgical procedure in which a tiny incision in the eardrum drains fluid and a small tube (grommet) is inserted to keep it open, allowing air to circulate and prevent recurrence.

See a doctor if:

• Glue ear persists for 3 months or more.
• Hearing loss affects daily life.
• Speech development is delayed in children.
• Dizziness or balance issues develop.

Tongue Tie Release (ankyloglossia), is a procedure to correct a condition where the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth, which can cause difficulty in speech.

Causes:

• Abnormal development during pregnancy
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms in Babies:

• Difficulty latching and breastfeeding
• Frequent gas, fussiness during feeding
• Delayed speech development

Symptoms in Adults:

• Difficulty with certain speech sounds
• Limited tongue protrusion
• Difficulty licking lips or reaching upper teeth

Diagnosis:

• Visual examination by a pediatrician, or ENT specialist
• Assessment of tongue movement and function

Procedure:

Frenotomy: A simple outpatient procedure using sterile scissors to clip the frenulum (band of tissue).

When to See a Doctor:

• If breastfeeding difficulties persist in babies
• Speech development delays or challenges with pronouncing certain sounds.
• Significant functional limitations in adults.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release:

• Improved breastfeeding and feeding success in babies
• Enhanced speech clarity and articulation
• Increased tongue mobility and oral function

We believe in partnering with families to provide holistic care in diagnosing and treating common and complex childhood conditions.

To discuss your child’s condition with us, contact us today to schedule an appointment.