Pediatric Health Guides
In-depth, plain-language guides on children's ear, nose, and throat health and everyday pediatric questions — written for parents and caregivers and medically reviewed by Ryan Mitchell, MD, board-certified pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT). This is educational information, not a substitute for your child's own clinician.
Ear, Nose & Throat
- Adenoids and Adenoidectomy in ChildrenLearn what adenoids do, signs of enlargement in kids like snoring and mouth-breathing, how they're evaluated, and when an adenoidectomy is considered.
- Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) and Your Child's HearingGlue ear (otitis media with effusion) is painless fluid behind the eardrum that can muffle hearing. Learn watchful waiting, hearing tests, and ear tubes.
- Childhood Hearing Loss and Hearing ScreeningHow newborn and childhood hearing screening works, the signs of hearing loss by age, conductive vs. sensorineural causes, and when to seek care.
- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) in ChildrenLearn what swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is in children, how it differs from a middle-ear infection, plus causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and red flags.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: A Parent's GuideLearn how to tell snoring from obstructive sleep apnea in children, the signs to watch for, how a sleep study works, and the treatment options that help.
- Nasal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) in ChildrenHow to recognize allergic rhinitis in children, tell nasal allergies apart from a cold, cut common triggers at home, and know when to see an allergist or ENT.
- Sinus Infections (Sinusitis) in ChildrenLearn how sinus infections (sinusitis) develop in children: viral vs. bacterial signs, home comfort care, when antibiotics help, and red flags to watch.
- Hearing and Your Child's Speech and Language DevelopmentLearn how hearing shapes your child's speech and language, which listening milestones to watch, how glue ear can delay talking, and when to seek help.
General Pediatrics
- Why Children's Medication Doses Are Based on WeightLearn why pediatric medication doses are based on your child's weight, not age, how concentrations and measuring devices cause errors, and safe dosing habits.
- How to Take Your Child's Temperature AccuratelyHow to take your child's temperature accurately: which thermometer to use by age, step-by-step technique, common mistakes, and when to call the doctor.