PEDIATRIC ENT

Ear Tubes

Ear infections are a common occurrence amongst young children with repeated exposure to viruses and bacteria. They can be painful and cause some hearing loss if they don’t fully resolve. These issues need to be treated in children as it can affect speech and social development. The pediatric ENT specialists at Commonwealth ENT work collaboratively with local pediatricians to offer the best treatment options for children when it comes to ear infections. 

The surgery performed to place tubes in the ear is known as a tympanostomy. The pressure-equalizing tubes placed in the eardrum ventilate the middle ear while helping to drain the fluid out of the middle ear. Keeping the middle ear free of fluid can help restore normal hearing and reduce the number of ear infections.

Most all children have successful outcomes from tympanostomy surgery. The tubes are designed to stay in place 6 months to 2 years. During this period of time, children will grow and the eustachian tube will begin to angle downward effectively draining the fluid from the middle ear. This growth is usually enough to help future ear infections resolve on their own.

Our pediatric ENT specialists will person the tympanostomy surgery within approximately 20 minutes to place the tubes in each ear and is done as an outpatient procedure. In about a year the tubes will work their way out of the eardrum naturally and there is usually no need to surgically remove them. There is minimal recovery time and children can see immediate results in improved hearing and lower rate of ear infections.

If your child suffers recurrent ear infections and you would like to learn more about how ear tubes can benefit your child, contact our office today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

The tonsils and adenoids are made up of lymphatic tissue and are located on each side in the back of the throat and behind the nose. The job of the tonsils and adenoids is to help fight infection before it travels further into the body. The tonsils and adenoids contain white blood cells, which are responsible for killing viruses and bacteria. In response to germs, tonsils and adenoids become inflamed. The inflammation causes them to swell and this creates the well known childhood complaint of a sore throat. 

Swelling of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) usually resolves on its own without intervention. However, if children are repeatedly exposed to cold viruses and strep throat, the tonsils can swell and may not completely return to their normal size.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

At Commonwealth ENT of Midlothian and the West End in Richmond, VA, our pediatric ENT specialists can help determine if your child may benefit from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedure. It is quite common to place ear tubes during this procedure depending on your child’s needs.

The tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgical procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting and your child can go home the same day. There are a few days of recovery following the procedure and it is important to keep your child hydrated as much as possible. If you have any questions about or would like to learn more about how a tonsillectomy could benefit your child, please give us a call at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.