Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Consultation

The Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Consultation can be requested by the pediatrician due to its important role in children and young people. The auditory and respiratory physiology of a child is different from that of an adult, so it is important that this specialty is also directed towards children.

This consultation is dedicated, among other things, to hearing problems, language delay, recurrent otitis, tonsil diseases, snoring and sleep apnea, and sinusitis in children.

The prevalence of these diseases varies with age, and for this reason, the follow-up of these children and young people is also very variable, according to their developmental stage.

Auditory health monitoring begins at birth. Indeed, all newborns should undergo a hearing screening to detect any hearing loss. It should be performed no later than 30 days of life. This early screening can minimize or eliminate future hearing problems.

In the first year of life, the main role of otorhinolaryngology is to identify congenital malformations of the ear, nose, larynx, and neck that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In the following years, it is important to be attentive to problems that can cause childhood deafness and difficulty in language development and learning. Sometimes, nose and tonsil problems can be resolved when early hearing loss problems are minimized and diagnosed.

Otorhinolaryngology can also play a significant role in children's sleep problems. These sleep-related issues are often neglected and can lead to learning difficulties, reduced concentration, agitation and frustration, decreased appetite, and stunted growth (height and weight).

Recurrent otitis and tonsillitis can trigger hearing sequelae and have a significant impact on the child's health, often due to excessive antibiotic use. In these cases, regular medical monitoring, preventive measures, and protective measures are important to minimize the frequency of these problems.

In older children, voice changes may occur, which in most cases are normal. However, if this change involves recurrent and prolonged hoarseness (dysphonia) and requires constant effort to speak, the situation should be analyzed and monitored.

It is also at this age that rhinitis and sinusitis problems can arise, compromising the quality of life of these children and young people.

The HPA Saúde Group has a team of specialists dedicated to the health of children and young people in the field of Otorhinolaryngology.