ENT infections
Evaluation and treatment of acute, recurrent, and chronic ear, nose, and throat infections in children and adults.
Not all ENT infections are the same
Acute otitis in a child and chronic sinusitis in an adult require completely different approaches: different agent, different evolution, different treatment.
The ENT specialist's role is to identify the type of infection, decide whether it needs an antibiotic (and which), and prevent unnecessary complications or recurrences.
What we evaluate
- Otitis — acute, external, otitis media with effusion, and chronic
- Sinusitis — acute, recurrent, and chronic
- Pharyngitis and pharyngotonsillitis
- Acute and recurrent tonsillitis
- Acute laryngitis
- Adenoiditis in children
- Mastoiditis
- Recurrent infections in pediatric patients
Signs that warrant evaluation
- Severe ear pain or persistent discharge.
- More than 3-4 infectious episodes per year (recurrence).
- Symptoms that don't subside after 7-10 days of treatment.
- High fever with facial, ear, or throat pain.
- Hearing decrease after an otitis episode.
- Children with repeated infections affecting school attendance.
How we approach ENT infections
- Precise diagnosisPhysical exam, otoscopy, rhinoscopy, or fiberoptic laryngoscopy as appropriate. Cultures or imaging when needed.
- Specific treatmentAntibiotics only when clearly indicated, with correct dose and duration. Adequate symptomatic management for viral cases.
- Recurrence preventionIdentification of predisposing factors (allergies, obstructive anatomy, immune deficiencies) and targeted management.
- Surgery when necessaryAdenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or ventilation tubes when clinical criteria are met. Only after exhausting appropriate medical management.
Common questions
Does every otitis need antibiotics?
No. Many viral otitis cases resolve on their own. We indicate antibiotics with specific clinical criteria: age, severity, duration, signs of complication.
When is "recurrent tonsillitis" considered?
Generally 7 episodes in one year, 5 per year for two years, or 3 per year for three years. Surgery is evaluated in these contexts.
Do chronic sinus infections always come back?
Not always. With well-targeted management addressing the underlying cause (allergy, anatomy), they can be sustainably controlled.
When are ventilation tubes placed in children?
When there's persistent middle ear effusion affecting hearing, or recurrent episodes that don't respond to conservative management.
Can I self-medicate an infection?
Not recommended. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics generates resistance and can mask important diagnoses. Always consult.