What is a Pediatric ENT?

Training and Expertise

A pediatric ENT is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. These specialists have unique training and experience in managing ENT conditions that affect young patients, taking into account their developing bodies and specific needs.

Becoming a pediatric ENT requires extensive education and training:

1. Medical School: After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring pediatric ENTs must complete four years of medical school.

2. Residency in Otolaryngology: Following medical school, doctors complete a 5-year residency program in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. This residency provides comprehensive training in all aspects of ear, nose, and throat care for patients of all ages.

3. Fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology: To specialize in pediatric care, ENTs must complete an additional 1-2 year fellowship focused specifically on treating children. This fellowship provides advanced training in pediatric ENT conditions, surgical techniques, and managing care for young patients.

In total, it takes a minimum of 14 years of education and training after high school to become a fully qualified pediatric ENT.

Pediatric ENTs diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting children's ears, noses, throats, and related structures in the head and neck. Some of the most common issues include:

1. Ear Infections: Otitis media (middle ear infection) is one of the most frequent childhood illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 5 out of 6 children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.

2. Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis: Inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids is common in children and can lead to recurrent infections, breathing difficulties, and sleep problems.

3. Hearing Loss: According to the CDC, about 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears.

4. Sinusitis: Chronic or recurrent sinus infections can significantly impact a child's quality of life.

5. Sleep-Disordered Breathing: This includes conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which affects an estimated 1-4% of children.

6. Congenital Anomalies: Pediatric ENTs treat various birth defects affecting the ears, nose, and throat, such as cleft lip and palate.

7. Airway Problems: Conditions like laryngomalacia (floppy voice box) or subglottic stenosis (narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords) require specialized care.

8. Voice and Speech Disorders: Pediatric ENTs work closely with speech therapists to address issues affecting a child's ability to communicate effectively.

9. Head and Neck Masses: While often benign, lumps or masses in a child's neck or head require expert evaluation and sometimes surgical intervention

When to Seek Care from a Pediatric ENT

While many ear, nose, and throat issues in children can be managed by pediatricians, there are times when the specialized care of a pediatric ENT is necessary. Consider consulting a pediatric ENT if your child experiences:

1. Recurrent or Chronic Ear Infections: If your child has had three or more ear infections in six months, or four or more in a year, it may be time to see a specialist.

2. Hearing Concerns: Any suspicion of hearing loss, whether present from birth or developing later, should be evaluated by a pediatric ENT.

3. Persistent Sore Throats or Tonsillitis: Frequent strep throat or tonsil infections may require specialized treatment or surgical intervention.

4. Breathing Difficulties: Noisy breathing, snoring, or pauses in breathing during sleep could indicate underlying ENT issues.

5. Speech or Language Delays: While often managed by speech therapists, ENT issues can sometimes contribute to these delays.

6. Recurrent Nosebleeds: Frequent or severe nosebleeds may require evaluation and treatment by a specialist.

7. Sinus Problems: Chronic congestion, facial pain, or recurrent sinus infections may benefit from a pediatric ENT's expertise.

8. Neck Masses: Any unexplained lumps or swelling in the neck should be evaluated promptly.

10. Congenital Anomalies: Children born with structural abnormalities of the ear, nose, or throat often require ongoing care from a pediatric ENT.

The Pediatric ENT Advantage

Choosing a pediatric ENT for your child's care offers several advantages:

1. Specialized Knowledge: Pediatric ENTs have in-depth understanding of how ENT conditions specifically affect children and how to best treat them.

2. Child-Friendly Approach: These specialists are trained to communicate effectively with children and create a comfortable, less intimidating medical experience.

3. Tailored Treatments: Pediatric ENTs consider a child's growth and development when planning treatments, aiming for solutions that will have the best long-term outcomes.

4. Advanced Techniques: Pediatric ENTs use state-of-the-art, minimally invasive techniques that can result in faster recovery times and less discomfort for young patients.

5. Collaborative Care: Pediatric ENTs often work closely with other pediatric specialists to provide comprehensive care for children with complex medical needs.

Conclusion

Pediatric ENTs play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the ear, nose, and throat health of children. Their specialized training and focus on pediatric care make them uniquely qualified to address the ENT needs of young patients, from common concerns to complex conditions.

If your child is experiencing persistent or severe ENT issues, don't hesitate to seek the expertise of a pediatric ENT. With their specialized knowledge and child-focused approach, these dedicated professionals can provide the comprehensive care your child needs to thrive.

Location Info

Dr. Cable's Frisco office is located five minutes from the Dallas North Tollway and is one block south of the El Dorado Parkway and Teel Parkway intersection. (Adjacent to Purefoy Elementary School)

Contact

(972) 984-1050

Hours

• Monday8 AM–5 PM

• Tuesday8 AM–5 PM

• Wednesday8 AM–5 PM

• Thursday8 AM–5 PM

• Friday8 AM–5 PM

• SaturdayClosed

• SundayClosed

Patient Feedback

Hear from families who have visited

Fantastic place. Dr Cable and the staff really did a great job of putting our daughter at ease. We felt our daughter was in safe hands. Really comforting for a parent.

- Vinnie Patel

Dr. Cable is absolutely amazing! I have a child who's anxiety can go through the roof. Which happened to my son when the doctor determined he needed tubes in his ears and his adnoid removed. I have never seen anyone be able to calm my son the way Dr. Cable did. Whatever magic he worked even made my son excited for his surgery. Once at the surgery center, Dr. Cable and his entire team made us feel comfortable, welcomed and even at home. I recommend Dr. Cable to everyone, kids and adults, hands down. Thank you Dr. Cable and your entire staff and team!

-Susan Davis

★★★★★

★★★★★