Many people make appointments to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) when they become ill with a sinus infection, lose balance, battle swimmer’s ear or perhaps struggle with obstructive sleep apnea. When necessary, ENT’s, also known as Otolaryngologists, also perform delicate procedures and outpatient surgeries. Many of these procedures involve removing tonsils, opening blocked airways in the middle ear or restoring hearing in pediatric patients.
The three Otolaryngologists at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) are part of a specialized team dedicated to treating patients of all ages, but are particularly skilled in the treatment of their youngest patients.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia each year is ear tube surgeries with more than half a million performed annually. Children who get frequent ear infections or who have persistent fluid backup behind the eardrum may be candidates for ear tubes, especially if there is hearing loss or delayed speech development.
Other children who visit an ENT are battling tonsillitis, a common condition in children older than two years old. Inflamed tonsils can cause a severe sore throat, trouble swallowing and fever. If the problem persists or is recurring, it may be necessary to remove them with a procedure known as a tonsillectomy.
Both ear tube surgeries and tonsillectomies are routinely performed by PMC’s Otolaryngologists who are committed to bringing relief and restoring health to their patients.
For more information about PMC’s Otolaryngology services, visit the otolaryngology pages on pikevillehospital.org.
