Parents, These Are The Signs Your Child Should See an ENT

If you’re a parent, you don’t need us to tell you that kids get sick a lot—and often those illnesses involve the ear, nose and throat. Coughs and colds are a normal part of growing up, but sometimes symptoms keep coming back (or never go away). When that happens, it may be a sign it’s time for your child to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Matt Johnson, MD is a board-certified ENT specialist at Valley View, treating a broad range of conditions in children and adults of all ages. He shares six signs that may indicate it is time for your child to see an ENT.

1. Repeated Ear Infections

Middle ear infections are one of the most common ENT conditions seen in young children. Because their ears are still developing, fluids don’t drain as easily, which can lead to buildup and infection.

Mild ear infections often clear up on their own within a few days. However, if your child is experiencing ongoing ear pain or repeated infections, you should consult an ENT specialist. Untreated ear infections can lead to hearing loss, speech delays and even eardrum damage.

Dr. Johnson recommends seeing an ENT specialist if your child has:

• Three or more ear infections in six months
• Four or more ear infections in 12 months
• Fluid in the ear for more than three months
• Noticeable hearing or speech issues

Ear tubes are often recommended as a quick and effective procedure to address chronic ear infections, protect your child’s hearing and reduce the need for antibiotics.

“I’m a strong advocate for ear tubes, when necessary,” Dr. Johnson says. “It’s a quick and simple procedure that can have immediate benefits for your child’s health and comfort.”

2. Persistent Nasal Congestion

Stuffy noses come and go, but congestion that lasts for weeks or months may point to an underlying problem. Persistent congestion happens when the tissues inside the nose stay inflamed or swollen, making it harder for your child to breathe.

Common causes of persistent congestion include:

• Allergies
• Blocked airflow
• Structural issues like enlarged adenoids or a deviated septum

Treatment depends on the cause, Dr. Johnson emphasizes. First steps may include nasal sprays, allergy medication or—if structural issues are present—surgery to improve airflow.

3. Frequent Sore Throats

When cold and flu season comes around, sore throats come with it.

Most simple infections, such as strep throat or tonsillitis, can be treated by your child’s primary care provider. However, if sore throats keep coming back or don’t improve with medicine, it may be time to check in with an ENT specialist.

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are a common reason kids experience frequent throat infections. These throat tissues help defend the body from germs, though they can become infected in the process.

In some cases, ENT specialists may recommend surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids, though not every child will need surgery. Dr. Johnson says the right approach depends on what’s best for your child.

“We always aim to start with conservative, non-surgical care first,” Dr. Johnson explains. “The goal is to prioritize the treatment that best supports each child’s overall health.”

4. Snoring or Noisy Breathing

While it can be normal for your child to snore when they’re sick with a cold, persistent snoring may be a warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a sleep disorder that happens when a child’s airway is partially or completely blocked, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Snoring, noisy breathing or gasping at night should not be ignored. Over time, poor sleep may impact your child’s learning, behavior and overall health.

For many children, the most effective first line of treatment for sleep apnea is removing the tonsils and/or adenoids. For milder cases, an ENT may recommend nasal steroid sprays, allergy medicine or simply monitoring symptoms over time to see if they improve.

5. Neck Masses

Finding a lump or swelling on your child’s neck can be alarming, though most neck masses are not harmful. Swollen lymph nodes are the most common cause of neck masses and are often the result of viral or bacterial infections. Some masses are congenital, meaning they are present at birth.

While neck masses aren’t necessarily a cause for concern, your child should see an ENT if the neck mass:

• Doesn’t go away after several weeks or continues to grow
• Makes swallowing or breathing difficult
• Becomes painful

6. Hearing or Speech Issues

Even mild or temporary hearing loss—typically related to fluid buildup or ear infections—can have significant impacts on your child’s speech and development. If you notice your child has difficulty listening or responding to sounds, it may be a good idea to see an ENT to determine the cause and next steps for treatment.

Don’t Wait

It’s tempting to wait and see if symptoms improve, but ENT issues can affect your child’s ability to hear, speak, sleep and learn. The good news is that most ENT conditions are highly treatable, especially when addressed early. If you notice any of these signs, especially if they are not improving after evaluation and treatment with your pediatrician or family provider, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a specialist.

“If something doesn’t seem right in your child—whether it’s constant congestion, ongoing ear pain or sleep problems—it’s worth having it checked. Finding and treating these issues early helps your child feel better sooner and supports their development in the long run,” Dr. Johnson says.

To learn more about Valley View ENT and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson, visit Valley View ENT or call 970.384.7420.