PAEDIATRIC SERVICES
tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is one of the most common infections in children. Although this condition can be mild, with a self limiting sore throat, it may also have more significant repercussions including frequent school absence, and systemic symptoms such as high fever, febrile convulsions and abscesses.
Surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy) is an effective way of minimising further sore throats and preventing complications. We offer a range of solutions and surgical options. Read more
hearing loss
Following the introduction of the new-born hearing screening programme, many types of congenital hearing loss can be identified shortly after birth. However, some conditions causing hearing loss may begin at a later stage, or only become apparent around the age of speech and language development.
Otitis media with effusion (glue ear) is most common at 2 and 5 years, and in many cases resolves with age. Persistent glue ear can lead to speech delay, poor school performance, or recurrent infections. Early diagnosis and treatment with insertion of grommets or hearing aids will help to prevent longer term repercussions. Read more
snoring
Sleep disordered breathing, ranges from mild snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Snoring or regular breathing holding may indicate a lack of oxygen during sleep. Children with OSA may experience elevated blood pressure, excessive daytime sleepiness, enuresis (bed wetting), or learning problems.
It is therefore important to diagnosis and treat this condition, often involving an operation to remove tonsils and reduce the size of the adenoids (adenotonsillectomy). Read more
nosebleeds
Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) is a common condition affecting children and adults. Most nosebleeds stop spontaneously and do not occur again. There are some that persist in spite of attempts to pinch the nose and can be quite distressing to both child and parent. Often the bleeding comes from vessels in the front of the nose.
When obvious bleeding points and vessels are found at examination they are usually the source of the epistaxis. These arteries can be cauterised in the clinic to stop the bleeding in from reoccurring. Some of our patients have had cautery elsewhere and require a repeat procedure with us. Read more
tongue tie
This condition is often identified at birth or in early childhood. In the majority of children it does not cause any difficulty. For a small proportion the tongue tie can contribute to difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, speech delay or social stigma
Once diagnosed and the effect on the child is clinically significant surgical intervention is indicated. Most children undergo a day case procedure and require a general anaesthetic for the procedure to release the tongue tie. For neonates and infants the procedure can be performed without general anaesthetic.
Ear Wax
Ear wax is a normal product of a healthy ear. The wax helps to clean the ear, reduces the risk of infection and acts as a physical barrier. In most people the ear is able to clear wax out of the canal naturally. Some patients do suffer with a large build up of ear wax and this can rarely affect hearing if the wax is impacted into the ear with cotton buds or earphones.
Ear wax build up is best managed with regular ear drops that can dissolve the wax gently and gradually. With cases of stubborn or impacted earwax, special suction equipment under a microscope is used to remove the wax carefully without the need for syringing.