To be honest, there is no specific season when ENT issues specifically worsen these days. May it be a child or an adult, anyone can suffer from ENT issues at any time of the year. If we specifically talk about children’s ENT health, during the summer months, children may be prone to certain ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues due to various factors such as increased outdoor activities, exposure to allergens, and changes in weather conditions.

Let the most recommended Pediatric ENT Consultant in Kolkata talk about some common summer ENT issues in children along with tips on how to manage them –

• Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): Prolonged exposure to water, especially in swimming pools, lakes, or oceans, can lead to swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal. However, to prevent swimmer’s ear, encourage children to dry their ears thoroughly after swimming, avoid swimming in contaminated water, and most importantly, consider using earplugs or a swim cap.

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Summer allergies triggered by pollen, grass, mold, and other outdoor allergens can cause allergic rhinitis in children. However, to manage allergies, minimize outdoor activities during peak pollen times, keep windows closed to prevent allergens from entering the home, use air conditioning with a HEPA filter, and consider allergy medications or nasal sprays as recommended by an experienced Pediatric ENT Consultant in Kolkata.

• Sinusitis: Sinus infections can occur when the sinus cavities become inflamed or blocked, often as a result of allergies, colds, or swimming. To prevent this major ENT issue, encourage children to avoid swimming with cold or allergy symptoms, use saline nasal sprays to keep nasal passages moist, and consult an ENT specialist if symptoms persist or worsen.

• Tonsillitis and Strep Throat: Bacterial infections such as tonsillitis and strep throat can occur year-round but may be more common during the summer due to increased social interactions and exposure to germs. Practice good hand hygiene, encourage children to avoid sharing utensils or drinks, and seek medical evaluation and treatment if symptoms of tonsillitis or strep throat worsen.

• Foreign Bodies: Children may be more prone to inserting foreign objects into their ears, nose, or throat during summer playtime. For that, supervise children closely, keep small objects out of reach, and educate them about the dangers of inserting objects into their orifices. Seek urgent medical attention if a foreign body becomes lodged in your child’s ear, nose, or throat.

To conclude, if you are a parent, you must encourage open communication with children about any discomfort or symptoms they may experience, and seek medical advice from an expert ENT specialist in Kolkata for proper evaluation and treatment.