Ear, nose, and throat disorders, particularly infections, are extremely common among children.
Ear infections Overview of Middle Ear Infections in Young Children Middle ear infection is infection of the space immediately behind the eardrum. Middle ear infections (otitis media) may occur in older children and adults (see Otitis Media (Acute)) but are... read more occur in children almost as often as the common cold Common Cold The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat. Many different viruses cause colds. Usually, colds are spread when a person's hands come in contact with... read more . They can develop behind the eardrum (in the middle ear), called otitis media, or, less commonly, in front of the eardrum (in the outer ear canal), called otitis externa or external otitis Ear Canal Infection (Swimmer's Ear) Bacteria and sometimes fungi can cause acute infection of the skin of the ear canal. Ear canal infection is caused by bacteria or, less commonly, fungi. Typical symptoms are pain and discharge... read more .
Throat infections Throat Infection Infections of the throat and/or tonsils are common, particularly among children. Throat infections are usually caused by a virus but may be caused by bacteria such as streptococcal bacteria... read more
are usually not serious, but they make children uncomfortable and can lead to missed school days and visits to a doctor.
A Look Inside the Ear
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A Look Inside the Nose and Throat
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Other disorders, such as hearing impairment Hearing Impairment in Children Hearing impairment refers to any degree of hearing loss, mild to severe, and can occur when there is a problem with a part of the ear, including the inner, middle, and outer ears, or the nerves... read more 
and neck masses Neck Masses in Children Neck masses are swellings that can be seen or felt in the neck. Neck masses are extremely common among children. The most common cause of neck mass in children is One or more enlarged lymph... read more , affect fewer children but are potentially serious. In general, any abnormality of a child’s ear, nose, or throat ( see Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a rare, noncancerous (benign) tumor of the respiratory system, commonly affecting the voice box (larynx). Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is caused... read more and see Juvenile Angiofibromas Juvenile Angiofibromas Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the back of the nose, in the same area where the adenoids are located. Juvenile angiofibromas occur most commonly among... read more ) that does not resolve within several days should be evaluated by a doctor. Sometimes these disorders and abnormalities, if untreated, lead to problems with communication Communication Disorders in Children A communication disorder can involve problems with hearing, voice, speech, language, or a combination. More than 10% of children have a communication disorder. A disorder in one area of communication... read more .
