Pediatric ENT

At Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat, we specialize in pediatric ENT, providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents. We understand that children’s ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health requires tailored pediatric approaches, and our experienced team is committed to delivering effective treatments while ensuring a comfortable and calm experience for both children and their parents. We have vast experience treating children as our patient population is about 50% under age 18.

Common Pediatric ENT Conditions We Treat:

• Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Up to 75% of children in the U.S. experience ear infections by age three. Symptoms can include earache, fever, ear discharge, headache, and dizziness. While many viral infections resolve on their own, bacterial infection can subsequently occur causing worsening symptoms and the need for antibiotics. Treatment may include medical treatments to prevent infections or the surgical placement of ear tubes (ventilation) tubes to prevent recurrent infections. Generally, we consider children who have a history of 4 infections over a 6-month period or 6 infections over a 12-month period to be good candidates for ear tube placement. Ear tube placement is the most common pediatric surgery in the US.

• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, is common in children. Symptoms include swollen, red tonsils, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and antibiotics for bacterial infections. If tonsillitis occurs frequently—such as 7 times in one year or 5 infections per year for 2 years or 3 infections per year for 3 or more years—surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended. Dr. Dodson has extensive experience with, and prefers, performing Intra-Capsular Tonsillectomy (IC) which is a less painful tonsillectomy method that preserves the tonsil capsule, minimizing trauma and recovery time. Dr. Dodson performs approximately 300 intra-capsular tonsillectomies each year. When compared to traditional tonsillectomy, intra-capsular tonsillectomy reduces the risk of post-tonsillectomy bleeding by 50 times. Intra-capsular tonsillectomy also reduces the post-surgical recovery time by 50% compared to traditional tonsillectomy.

• Adenoid Hypertrophy: Enlarged adenoids can cause nasal obstruction and mouth breathing, recurrent and chronic sinusitis, and contribute to recurring and chronic ear disease, impacting overall health and quality of life. Adenoidectomy is a quick and painless procedure performed in the operating room which can improve quality of life.

• Hearing Loss: We assess and manage various types of hearing loss in children, ensuring early intervention for optimal development.

• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can significantly affect children, leading to nasal congestion, sneezing, and headaches. We can help treat this effectively as well as help navigate testing and treatment options.

• Nasal Congestion: Persistent nasal congestion is a common condition in children. We can help make an accurate diagnosis and offer medical or surgical treatments to improve nasal breathing and overall comfort.

• Sinusitis: Recurring and chronic sinus disease/sinusitis can negatively impact a child’s health. We can help determine the causes for sinusitis and offer definitive treatment options.

• Nasal and Ear Foreign Bodies: Children often insert objects into their noses or ears, and our team is skilled at safely removing these foreign bodies using specialized equipment in the office or in the operative room.

• Speech and Swallowing Disorders: We evaluate and manage speech and swallowing difficulties via specialized diagnostic testing in the office or via radiology test, in concert with speech pathologists with whom we frequently collaborate.

• Ear Wax Blockage: Excessive earwax can lead to discomfort and hearing problems, and we offer safe removal methods.

Lingual Frenuloplasty (Tongue Tie Release)

For children, Lingual Frenuloplasty is a specialized procedure that addresses tongue tie. Tongue tie is due to a short lingual frenulum (tissue under the front of the tongue) which restricts tongue movement. This condition can significantly impact oral health, speech development, and overall quality of life.

Benefits of Lingual Frenuloplasty include:

• Enhanced Oral Function: Improved speech clarity and communication skills.

• Better Feeding and Swallowing: Alleviates challenges associated with eating.

• Promoted Healthy Breathing: Encourages closed-mouth breathing for better oral health.

• Reduced Snoring: Improved sleep quality for child.

• Alleviation of Muscle Tension: Less stress in head and neck muscles, promoting better posture and jaw development.

• Improvement of hard palate growth: Vertical movement, and pressing, of the tongue against the roof of the mouth (hard palate) can direct proper expansion (widening) of the hard palate. Tongue tie restricts vertical movement of the tongue and can possibly impair hard palate expansion.

Dr. Dodson employs a specialized surgical method for frenuloplasty, ensuring safe and effective results when used in concert with specialized speech therapy methods from local therapy partners. Dr. Dodson performs approximately 200 frenuloplasty operations per year and is considered by many to be a regional expert in this technique.

Pediatric ENT Treatments We Provide:

Our clinic offers a range of effective treatments for pediatric ENT conditions, including:

• Tympanostomy Tubes (Ear Tubes): Surgical placement of tubes to prevent ear infection and/or to relieve chronic ear fluid accumulation.

• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Removal of tonsils and/or adenoids to improve breathing and sleep quality and/or reduce infections, with options for Intra-Capsular Tonsillectomy (IC) or Total Tonsillectomy (TT) based on the child's needs.

• Adenoidectomy: Removal of the adenoids to improve breathing, sleep quality, mouth breathing, recurring ear infections, chronic fluid in the ears, and/or recurring or chronic sinus infections.

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Minimally invasive procedures to address chronic sinusitis and related issues.

• Ear Wax Removal: Safe and effective techniques to clear excessive earwax and improve hearing.

• Lingual Frenuloplasty (Tongue Tie Release): A specialized procedure to correct tongue tie, enhancing speech, feeding, and overall oral function.

• Maxillary Lip Tie Release: This procedure addresses a tight upper lip frenum that can restrict the upper lip's movement, improving breastfeeding, oral function, and speech development.

At Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat, we strive to provide the most effective treatments while considering the comfort of our patients and addressing parental concerns. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's ear, nose, or throat health, our compassionate team is here to help!