Contact our Philadelphia ENT practice to schedule an appointment with our pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctors.
826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Philadelphia Pediatric ENT Care — Broker, Cramer, & Swanson Ear, Nose, & Throat
Children's unique medical needs require a doctor trained to handle a wide range of pediatric ENT disorders and conditions. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, with locations in Phoenixville and Philadelphia, our ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists are highly trained in the pediatric ENT discipline. Our doctors provide diagnosis and treatment for a multitude of complaints, including the following:
Nosebleeds
There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior and posterior. Most nosebleeds in children are anterior. Anterior nosebleeds occur when blood vessels in the septum (the wall separating the two nostrils) rupture. Sustaining a blow to the nose, picking the nose, and blowing the nose vigorously can all cause the vessels to rupture. Dryness in the nose due to a dry climate or indoor heating may make the nose more susceptible to anterior nosebleeds. Dryness can be prevented by coating the inside of the nose with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
Less common than the anterior variety, posterior nosebleeds occur much higher in the nose and can be caused by an injury to the nose or face. Because this type of nosebleed can be serious, if a parent suspects that his or her child has a posterior nosebleed, it is important to take the child to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor right away.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is a narrowing or blockage of the nasal airway that can be caused by congestion, structural abnormalities, or foreign bodies.
Infections, such as common colds and sinusitis, can cause temporary or chronic nasal congestion. Allergies are another common source of nasal congestion. The inflammation of the membranes in the nose and buildup of mucus is an unpleasant but generally temporary condition. Some infections can be treated with medication while others must run their course. Children who suffer from frequent or chronic congestion may benefit from surgery, allergy shots, or other therapy.
Structural abnormalities are caused by an enlargement or deformity of the nasal structures. One of the most common of these among children is swollen adenoids. Symptoms of swollen adenoids include snoring, frequent mouth breathing, and an inability to make certain "nasal" sounds when speaking. Depending on the age of the child and the severity of the problem, antibiotic therapy may be effective or surgery to remove the adenoids may be recommended instead.
Foreign bodies placed in the nose by young children can not only block airflow, but also become lodged in the nasal passageway and cause an infection if not removed. If a child has stuck an object inside his or her nose that cannot easily be removed, appears to have trouble breathing through the nose, or has a foul-smelling nasal discharge coming from one nostril, consult a physician.
Facial Trauma in Children
Because children are in the process of growing and developing, pediatric facial trauma needs to be addressed immediately by a qualified ENT doctor. Trauma to the face, especially to the bones of the face, may interfere with future growth if left untreated. In some occasions, bone injures of the face may require reconstructive facial surgery. Parents of children who have sustained severe bone injuries who are looking for a skilled reconstructive facial surgeon in the Philadelphia area can contact our ENT (ear, nose, and throat) experts.
Pediatric Sinusitis
A common problem treated by ear, nose, and throat specialists, pediatric sinusitis is most often caused by viral infections or allergies. Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a sinus infection include the following:
- Cold symptoms that last more than 10 to 14 days
- Fever
- Yellow-green nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip
- Headache
- Swelling around the eyes
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Children with one or more of these symptoms should be seen by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. At our Philadelphia practice, our esteemed ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors can evaluate sinusitis symptoms in both adults and children.
During a typical patient visit, a pediatric ENT specialist will conduct a thorough examination of the child's ear, nose, and throat. Sometimes, the doctor will perform a CT scan to aid in diagnosis.
There are two types of sinusitis that a child may have. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than three weeks and responds well to antibiotics. Episodes of sinusitis lasting 12 weeks or more may indicate chronic sinusitis. When antibiotics fail to treat chronic sinusitis, the ENT doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery involves widening the sinus passages to allow air to flow freely.
Contact Our Pediatric ENT Doctors
The physicians at our Philadelphia-area practice are skilled ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors equipped to deal with a wide range of problems in adult and child patients. If you require the services of a skilled ENT specialist, please contact Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat today.