Skip to main content

Featured post

Child Snoring Every Night? Sleep Apnoea Signs | London & Essex ENT

  My Child Snores Every Night – Could It Be Sleep Apnoea? A Parent’s Guide Hearing your child snore occasionally when they have a cold is common. But what if the snoring happens almost every night ? Parents may notice their child breathing loudly through their mouth, tossing around the bed, sweating heavily or sleeping in unusual positions. Some children appear to briefly stop breathing before snorting, gasping or taking a deeper breath. Understandably, seeing this can be worrying. One of the questions parents frequently ask in paediatric ENT clinics is: “How do I know whether my child is simply snoring or actually has sleep apnoea?” Most children who snore do not have obstructive sleep apnoea. NHS Healthier Together estimates that snoring occurs in around 10% of children, whereas obstructive sleep apnoea affects a much smaller proportion. However, regular snoring accompanied by disturbed breathing or poor-quality sleep deserves assessment. This guide explains what parent...

Spotting Glue Ear In Child

 


👂🧒 Is It Glue Ear? 🤔 How to Recognize the Signs in Your Child! 📣

 

👋 If you're wondering whether your child might have glue ear (otitis media with effusion), you're not alone. It's crucial to recognize the signs early for the best care. Here's a quick guide to help you out:

  

 

1️⃣ Frequent Ear Infections: If your child often suffers from ear infections that seem to linger or come back frequently, it could be a clue.

 

2️⃣ Hearing Difficulty: Does your child struggle to hear or frequently ask you to repeat yourself? Pay attention if they seem to have difficulty understanding conversations.

 

3️⃣ Speech and Language Development: Glue ear might affect your child's speech and language development. Look out for delays or changes in their ability to communicate.

 

4️⃣ Behavioural Changes: Notice any behavioural shifts? Frustration, irritability, or problems concentrating might be linked to hearing issues caused by glue ear.

 

5️⃣ Balance and Coordination: In some cases, glue ear can impact a child's balance and coordination. Keep an eye out for unexplained clumsiness or stumbling.

If you observe any of these signs, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform hearing tests and provide guidance on appropriate steps to take.

 

Early detection and intervention can make a world of difference in your child's well-being and development.

🌟 Remember, you're doing a fantastic job looking out for your little one! 💕

 #GlueEar #ChildHealth #ParentingTips #EarlyDetection #StayInformed


👂🧒 Exploring the Link Between Glue Ear and Behaviour in Children 👦👂

 

👋 Did you know that glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME), could potentially affect your child's behaviour? 🤔

 

Let's dive into this interesting topic and shed some light on it!

 

👂 What is Glue Ear?

Glue ear is a common childhood condition where a sticky, thick fluid (mucus) builds up in the middle ear, leading to hearing difficulties. While it's typically not painful, it can have various effects on children, including their behaviour.

 

🧒 Behaviour and Glue Ear:

Recent studies have suggested a possible link between glue ear and behaviour problems in children. Here's how it can happen:

 

1️⃣ Communication Challenges: When kids can't hear well due to glue ear, they may struggle to understand and respond to conversations. This can lead to frustration, withdrawal, or acting out.

 

2️⃣ Difficulty Concentrating: Hearing difficulties can make it tough for children to concentrate in school or during activities, potentially affecting their performance and behaviour.

 

3️⃣ Fatigue: Straining to hear can be exhausting, leaving kids feeling tired and irritable, which may influence their behaviour.

 

4️⃣ Social Impact: Children with hearing issues may have trouble connecting with peers, leading to feelings of isolation and affecting their behaviour in social settings.

 

🔍 What Can You Do?

If you suspect your child may have glue ear and it's impacting their behaviour, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, such as hearing tests and potential treatments, can make a significant difference in your child's life.

 

Remember, every child is unique, and their behaviour can be influenced by various factors. It's essential to approach any behaviour concerns with patience, understanding, and professional guidance when needed. 💕

 

Let's stay informed and support our little ones on their journey to happiness and well-being! 🌟

#GlueEar #ChildBehavior #ParentingJourney #StayInformed #SupportingKids

Mr Gaurav Kumar
Ear, Nose & Throat Consultant

To book an appointment, visit https://tinyurl.com/GKAppointmentBooking

Phone Number: 07494914140

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.




https://tinyurl.com/GKTopENTDoctor







Popular Post

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...
Read more

Retracted Ear Drum

  What Is a Retracted Eardrum? A retracted eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane retraction, is a condition where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is pulled inward or drawn backwards from its normal position. The eardrum is a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear, where the auditory ossicles (small bones) are located.   Under normal circumstances, the eardrum is slightly concave and positioned at an angle that allows it to respond to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tube, a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.   However, in cases of a retracted eardrum, the Eustachian tube might not function correctly or become blocked, leading to an imbalance in pressure. When negative pressure builds up in the middle ear, it causes the eardrum t...
Read more

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

Bleeding After Child Tonsillectomy: Emergency Advice | London & Essex

  Bleeding After Tonsil Surgery: The Safety Red Flags Every Parent Must Know Bringing your child home after a tonsillectomy is a moment of relief, marking the end of chronic infections or disruptive sleep apnoea. As you settle into the two-week home recovery period, your primary focus is usually on managing their throat soreness, keeping them hydrated, and ensuring they rest. However, there is one critical post-operative complication that demands every parent's absolute vigilance: post-tonsillectomy bleeding . While advanced techniques like low-temperature coblation tonsillectomy significantly lower surgical trauma, the throat remains a highly vascular area. Any amount of fresh bleeding after a tonsillectomy must be taken seriously. Parents should know exactly when to seek urgent medical help and never adopt a "wait and see" approach at home. This emergency guide breaks down how to identify a tonsil bleed and the exact rapid care pathways available across East London and...
Read more

Endoscopic Glomus Tympanicum Surgery London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Glomus Tympanicum Surgery: Advanced Solutions for Pulsatile Tinnitus Hearing a rhythmic thumping, swooshing, or heartbeat-like sound in one ear can be deeply unsettling. Known clinically as pulsatile tinnitus , this symptom often leads patients across East London and Essex on a complex diagnostic journey through general practice, cardiology, and neurology before they are referred to a specialist otologist. When an ENT specialist inspects the ear canal, they occasionally spot a distinct red or purple vascular mass glowing behind an intact eardrum. In many cases, this is a Glomus Tympanicum (a tympanic paraganglioma). While hearing the word "tumour" can cause immediate panic, glomus tympanicum tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and highly vascular growths. Historically, removing these tumours required large incisions behind the ear and extensive mastoid bone removal. Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to remove them usi...
Read more

Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist

  Chronic Throat Clearing and Globus Sensation: Why Does It Feel Like Something Is Stuck in Your Throat? Many people occasionally clear their throat during a cold or allergy flare-up. However, when throat clearing becomes frequent or constant, it can become frustrating, socially embarrassing and uncomfortable. Some patients also describe a persistent feeling of a “lump” or tightness in the throat, even though swallowing food and drinks may still feel normal. This sensation is known as globus sensation . In many cases, these symptoms are linked to irritation or inflammation affecting the throat and voice box. Common causes include laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux), voice strain, postnasal drip or muscle tension . This article explains the common causes of chronic throat clearing and globus sensation, when to seek ENT advice and what treatment may involve. What is globus sensation? Globus sensation refers to the feeling that something is stuck in the throat, despite the...
Read more

Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery | London & Essex

  Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...
Read more

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...
Read more

Child Sensitive to Loud Noises? Causes & ENT Advice | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Why Is My Child So Sensitive to Loud Sounds? A Paediatric ENT Guide for Parents As a parent, watching your child experience physical distress from sounds that others barely notice can be deeply unsettling. You might notice your child covering their ears, crying, or experiencing a flash of panic when the vacuum cleaner starts, when a public hand dryer activates, or when a dog barks nearby. When a child exhibits an intolerance to everyday noises, parents often wonder whether it is a behavioural phase, a sign of sensory processing differences, or a physical issue within the ears. In the medical community, this heightened, excessive sensitivity to everyday environmental sounds is known as hyperacusis . As a Consultant ENT Surgeon practising across London and Essex, I frequently meet families at my Brentwood and Ilford clinics who are seeking clarity on this exact issue. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how a child’s ears process sound, the structural and medi...
Read more