Ear, nose and throat problems are among the most common reasons children see a doctor. Their Eustachian tubes are shorter and flatter, their tonsils and adenoids are relatively large, and they catch colds often, especially in the first few years of school. Most of these problems settle with time and simple treatment. A few need closer attention because they affect hearing, sleep or speech.
Dr. Sahil Kapoor sees children as a pediatric ENT doctor in Gurgaon at Ace ENT Care, 238, Sector 5, Gurugram. Examinations are kept gentle and quick, and parents stay with the child throughout.
Common ENT problems in children
- Ear infections (otitis media): ear pain, fever and irritability, often after a cold. Babies may pull at the ear or cry more at night.
- Glue ear (fluid behind the eardrum): often painless, but it can reduce hearing. The child may seem inattentive or turn up the TV volume.
- Enlarged adenoids: a blocked nose, mouth breathing, snoring and a nasal voice. Adenoids sit at the back of the nose and can't be seen by looking in the mouth.
- Tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils: repeated sore throats, or tonsils large enough to disturb breathing during sleep.
- Snoring and sleep apnea in children: loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep, bed-wetting, and daytime crankiness or poor concentration.
- Hearing loss: present from birth or developing later.
- Foreign bodies: beads, seeds, toy parts or batteries in the nose or ear. A button battery is an emergency.
- Allergic rhinitis: a runny nose, sneezing and nose rubbing, often with eczema or asthma.
Signs that your child should see an ENT specialist
- Three or more ear infections in six months
- Ear discharge
- Not responding to sounds, delayed speech, or speech that is hard to understand
- Snoring most nights, especially with pauses in breathing
- Constant mouth breathing or a blocked nose for weeks
- Frequent tonsil infections that cause missed school days
- Something pushed into the ear or nose
How children are examined
Most children are examined with a simple otoscope and a light. Older children may have a quick endoscopic look in the nose with a thin camera. Hearing can be checked at any age: newborns and young children with OAE and ABR tests, and older children with play audiometry or a standard hearing test. Tympanometry shows whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. An X-ray of the adenoids is sometimes needed.
Adenoid treatment for a child
In many children, adenoids shrink as they grow, usually by the age of seven or eight. Mild symptoms are treated with saline drops and steroid nasal sprays for a few weeks. Adenoidectomy in Gurgaon is advised when a child continues to have a blocked nose, snoring, sleep apnea or repeated ear problems despite treatment. It is often combined with tonsillectomy or grommet insertion, depending on the problem.
Glue ear and grommets
Fluid behind the eardrum often clears by itself within three months, so the first step is usually to watch and wait. If the fluid stays and affects hearing or speech, a tiny ventilation tube (grommet) can be placed in the eardrum. The procedure takes about 15 minutes under general anaesthesia. Grommets usually fall out on their own after six to twelve months.
Tonsil surgery in children
Tonsillectomy is advised for frequent infections or when large tonsils block breathing during sleep. Children usually recover in seven to ten days. Soft, cool foods and plenty of fluids help.
What parents can do at home
- Never put anything inside a child's ear, including cotton buds.
- Avoid bottle feeding while the baby is lying flat. It can push milk towards the middle ear.
- Keep children away from cigarette smoke. It increases ear infections and breathing problems.
- Make sure vaccinations are up to date.
- If your child has snored for months, mention it. It is not just a habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child snores. Is that normal?
Occasional snoring during a cold is common. Snoring most nights, especially with pauses in breathing or restless sleep, should be checked, because it can affect growth, behaviour and school performance.
Will removing adenoids or tonsils weaken my child's immunity?
Studies have not shown a meaningful effect on overall immunity. The body has many other lymph tissues that continue to fight infections.
At what age can adenoids be removed?
There is no strict minimum age. The decision depends on how much the adenoids affect breathing, sleep and hearing.
How much do adenoid or tonsil surgeries cost?
The cost depends on the procedure (adenoidectomy alone, or with tonsillectomy or grommets) and the hospital. You will get an estimate after the consultation.
Are children's ENT surgeries covered under insurance or Ayushman card?
Adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy and grommet insertion are usually covered by health insurance and many are part of PMJAY packages for eligible families. See the Ayushman card page.
Book a consultation
Call +91-8178774813 or use the appointment page. The clinic is also open on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, which many parents find convenient.
Clinic Location
238, Sector 5, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
