If your child needs surgical or complex medical treatment for illnesses or problems affecting the ear, nose, or throat, a Pediatric Otolaryngologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child. Many general otolaryngologists provide surgical care for children. However, in many areas of the country, more specialized otolaryngology care is available for children.

What kind of training do pediatric otolaryngologists have?

Pediatric otolaryngologists are medical doctors who have had

• At least 4 years of medical school
• One year of surgical internship
• Often 1 additional year of residency training in general surgery
• At least 3 to 4 additional years of residency training in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery
• Pediatric otolaryngologists often complete additional training in fellowship programs at a large children's medical center

Pediatric otolaryngologists treat children from the newborn period through the teenage years. They choose to make pediatric care the core of their medical practice, and the unique nature of medical and surgical care of children islearned from advanced training and experience in practice.

What types of treatments do pediatric otolaryngologists provide?

Pediatric otolaryngologists are primarily concerned with medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat diseases in children. Pediatric otolaryngologists generally provide the following services:

• Diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders, and head and neck diseases
• Surgery of the head and neck, including before- and after-surgery care
• Consultation with other doctors when ear, nose, or throat diseases are detected
• Assistance in the identification of communication disorders in children

Where can I find a pediatric otolaryngologist?

Pediatric otolaryngologists practice in a variety of medical institutions including children's hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals.

Pediatric otolaryngologists — the best care for children

Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination. Pediatric otolaryngologists know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. In addition, pediatric otolaryngologists use equipment specially designed for children. Most pediatric otolaryngologists' offices are arranged and decorated with children in mind. This includes the examination rooms and waiting rooms, which may have toys, videos, and reading materials for children. This helps create a comfortable and nonthreatening environment for your child.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a specialist for a problem with his ears, nose, or throat, a pediatric otolaryngologist has the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training, and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and in treating children's ear, nose, and throat disorders.

Copyright © 2000

#AAP