ENT Conditions

Question 1

What are the common causes for EPISTAXIS?

Answer 1

• Nose picking ( most common)
• Foreign body
• URTI
• Allergic rhinitis

Refer children under 2 as it is rarer and may be secondary to trauma/bleeding disorders

Question 2

What can cause SNORING in children?

Answer 2

• Obesity
• Recurrent tonsillitis
• Down’s Syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Nasal problems: Polyps, deviated septum, hypertrophic nasal turbinates

Question 3

What are the features of ACUTE EPIGLOTTITIS?

Answer 3

Serious infection caused by Haemophilus Influenza B. There is now much decreased incidence now that it is vaccinated 
Features:
- Rapid onset
- High temperature/malaise 
- Stridor
- Drooling saliva 
- 'Tripod' position 

Diagnosis via X-Ray: shows swelling of epiglottitis (‘Thumbs-up’ sign) or direct visualisation via trained airway staff

Question 4

What is CHOANAL ATRESIA?

Answer 4

A congenital disorder caused by occlusion of postnasal airway by soft tissue or bone. May be associated with other congenital malformations (e.g. coloboma)

Unilateral disease may go unnoticed, whereas bilateral disease can present early in life due to children being obligate nose breathers

Treatment: Fenestration procedures designed to restore patency