If your child has a sore throat, your first impulse is probably to pack them up and head directly to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon. Hold on just a moment, though. A sore throat could be Strep throat, but it could also be a symptom of a cold or sinus infection. Before you […]
5 Helpful Tips for Tonsillectomy Recovery
Preparing in advance for a smooth recovery will help you to recover after tonsillectomy surgery. A tonsillectomy is one of the more painful surgeries with a recovery process that can take a week or two. So its better to manage your recovery proactively, rather than try to downplay the pain of recovery associated with this […]
Understanding Stridor in Children
If you have ever heard a high-pitched wheezing sound when your child breathes in, you have heard stridor. This condition is the result of your child’s airways being blocked or obstructed in some way. Your child’s airways are made up of several structures including: Nasal cavity Nose Mouth Sinuses Larynx Trachea Bronchial tree When your […]
Throat Problems in Children
When your child develops a sore throat, you may not be sure how serious the condition is and whether or not it is due to something common or it is something more serious, such as strep or tonsillitis. One of the most common reasons why a child may develop a sore throat would be a […]
Tonsillectomy in Children
Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed surgery for children. This procedure may be recommended for children who have recurrent cases of tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy is often needed for children who have recurrent Strep throat, obstructive sleep apnoea, or other complications of tonsillitis such as rheumatic fever. A tonsillectomy can relieve a great deal of discomfort and has other benefits as […]
Quinsy Throat Infection
What is Quinsy? Quinsy is also known as a peritonsillar abscess, which is a collection of pus that forms between the tonsil and the wall of the throat. It is caused primarily by infection with streptococcus bacteria. Quinsy is often a complication of untreated tonsillitis and is a common and painful condition. However, with the […]
Easing the Pain of Tonsillitis
Tonsils are located in the back of your child’s throat and work as filters, to trap germs that might otherwise enter their airways, leading to infection. Tonsils also produce the antibodies that fight infection. However, sometimes the tonsils themselves can be infected. They can become overwhelmed by viruses or bacteria, which cause them to get […]
Tonsillitis and Rheumatic Fever
About Tonsillitis and Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever is a disease that can occur following bacterial infection with Group A Streptococcus. Predisposing infections also include strep throat tonsillitis and skin infections, such as impetigo (caused by Streptococcus pyogenes). Overall, rheumatic fever is rare in Australia; however, the rate of rheumatic fever amongst Indigenous Australians is much […]
Parotid Gland
The parotid gland is one of several salivary glands in the human body. This gland is responsible for the bulk of salivary production within the body. Saliva, also known as spit, is a mixture of mucus, digestive enzymes and water. This thick, slightly slimy mixture coats the inside of the mouth, the tongue, the throat […]
How to Tell When Your Child Needs a Tonsillectomy
Unfortunately, you cannot just push a button on your son or daughter and get a read-out as to what is wrong with them. You can go to the doctor and get a diagnosis for symptoms, viruses, and bacterial infections, but when do you really know when it is time to have your child’s tonsils taken […]
The Throat
About The Throat We have all suffered the annoyance of having a sore throat at some point in our lives. The throat is an important part of our anatomy and is closely related to other clinically important structures. The throat is a muscular tube which is integral for both the respiratory and the digestive systems. […]