Ear infections
Painful ears can be disruptive for kids and their families. Sometimes followed by discharge, most kids will experience otitis media before primary school. If happening repeatedly, common treatment includes grommet (vent tube) insertion.
Sore throats
Lots of children experience sore throats. Multiple episodes over a couple of years may necessitate tonsillectomy, especially if school attendance is suffering.
Coblator Tonsil Surgery - New Technique
Over the past 5 years, I have been performing tonsillotomy surgery in Sick Kids Hospital in Belfast. I learned the technique in New Zealand and Dublin. It is an alternative to the more traditional tonsillectomy surgery with significant benefits for patients (and their families) in terms of recovery.
Initially it was reserved for children with sleep symptoms. We have noted its effectiveness and significant reduction in pain, post operative bleeding and how it allows kids back to school more quickly. I now offer it as a treatment choice for all children undergoing tonsil surgery.
A coblator wand is used to removed the majority of tonsil tissue and prevents exposure of the underlying muscle and blood vessels which causes pain.
The technique has become commonplace amongst Paediatric ENT specialists throughout the UK and around the world and recently published papers have supported its benefits and safety. I was the first surgeon to utilise the technique in N Ireland and along with Mr Trimble, we are now offering it in both Public hospital settings and for Private patients in the Ulster Independent Clinic.
Hearing loss
Babies get a hearing test shortly after birth, this is sensitive at detecting a significant congenital hearing loss. Hearing loss may impact upon speech & language development, social interaction and school performance.
The commonest cause for acquired childhood hearing loss is glue ear. Usually often resolves without treatment, but if persistent, may be helped by grommet insertion.
Snoring
Around 20% of children snore. The commonest cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. The snoring may disrupt sleep causing tiredness and other daytime symptoms. This is called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA is often cured with removal of the tonsils and adenoids.
Drooling
Most kids drool in early childhood. As they get older, saliva control usually improves. Occasionally drooling becomes socially problematic. A range of treatments and strategies are available for these children.
Blocked nose
Difficulty breathing though the nose, often with lots of mucus is frequently seen in children. Causes include large adenoids, nasal allergy and the frequent colds which accompany childhood.
The treatment will depend on the nature of the problem, but includes nasal steroid sprays or surgery.
Neck lumps
Finding a lump in your Childs neck is always concerning, but most are part of the immune systems normal response to an infection. Your Doctor will be able to get a good idea of what is causing the lump through examining your Childs neck. Often an scan is used to confirm the diagnosis.
Urgent medical opinion should be sought if the lump is red and hot or increasing quickly in size.
Airway problems
Babies with noisy breathing are usually referred to Children's hospital for an appointment at the airway clinic. There, myself or Mr Trimble may perform an endoscopy procedure where a small camera is passed through the nose to assess the airway. It causes minor discomfort only and takes around 45 seconds to complete.
Most problems are diagnosed this way, but some children may require a general anaesthetic airway examination.
Epistaxis
Nosebleeds are distressing for both the child and their carers. Pinching the lower part of the nose constantly for 10 minutes is usually effective for control at the time. Nosebleeds which are frequent can usually be helped with cautery - a simple procedure usually performed in clinic.
