February Is Pediatric ENT Health Month: What Parents Should Know

Every February, we recognize Pediatric ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Health Month—a time dedicated to protecting children’s breathing, hearing, and speaking health. If you’re a parent, you know how often kids deal with earaches, stuffy noses, or sore throats. Most of the time, these symptoms pass quickly. But when they keep coming back or linger longer than expected, they may signal an underlying issue that deserves a closer look.

Because the ears, nose, and throat are closely connected, a problem in one area can easily affect the others. A blocked nose can cause ear pressure. Mouth breathing can irritate the throat. And for growing children, these systems play a major role in speech development, sleep quality, learning, and overall well-being. Making sure everything works together smoothly helps set the foundation for healthy growth.

Common Pediatric ENT Concerns

Here are some of the most frequent reasons families visit an ENT pediatric specialist:

Ear infections

Especially common in infants and toddlers, ear infections can cause pain, fussiness, disrupted sleep, and even temporary hearing loss. When infections recur or fluid lingers behind the eardrum, hearing tests or ear tubes may be recommended.

Tonsils and adenoids

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can lead to snoring, restless sleep, and mouth breathing. In some cases, poor sleep can affect behavior, attention, and daytime energy.

Chronic nasal congestion or allergies

Ongoing stuffiness may be caused by allergies, sinus infections, or structural issues. Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective relief.

Speech or hearing delays

Even mild hearing loss from frequent ear infections can impact speech development. A simple hearing evaluation can quickly determine if hearing is part of the concern.

Frequent sore throats or sinus infections

Recurring symptoms may point to untreated allergies, enlarged tonsils, or sinus blockages that benefit from ENT pediatric specialist care.

As Tara Morrison, MD, an ENT specialist at ENT & Allergy Associates of Texas in Katy, explains, “Parents are often surprised at how much everyday issues like allergies or fluid in the ears can affect a child’s sleep, hearing, and learning. When we address those problems early, we can make a big difference in how kids feel and function day to day.”

When Should You Bring Your Child to See an ENT?

Many parents wonder when it’s time to schedule a visit. It’s worth seeking an ENT pediatric evaluation if your child:

• Has more than three ear infections in six months
• Snores loudly or seems to struggle for air at night
• Has congestion lasting longer than a month
• Shows ongoing speech delays or unclear speech
• Complains of hearing difficulty or ear fullness

Pediatric-focused ENTs use gentle, child-friendly techniques to make visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Supporting Children’s ENT Health at Home

Simple daily habits can help prevent problems and ease symptoms:

• Encourage frequent handwashing
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
• Use saline nasal sprays or rinses during colds or allergy season
• Try saltwater gargles for sore throats
• Run a cool-mist humidifier in dry months
• Use warm steam from a bath or shower to loosen mucus
• Promote good sleep habits
• Offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and hydration
• Talk with your pediatrician or ENT before starting supplements like elderberry or echinacea

These small steps can go a long way in keeping your child comfortable and healthy.

Helping Kids Feel Comfortable With Care

Doctor visits can feel intimidating for little ones. Explaining that an ENT helps “fix stuffy noses and ears that hurt” can make the experience feel less scary. Pediatric ENT specialists are trained to work patiently with children, using kid-friendly language and a gentle approach that helps them feel safe and supported.

With pediatric ENT offices across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas, families have access to specialized care close to home. Pediatric ENT Health Month is a great reminder to check in, ask questions, and review your child’s history of infections or symptoms.