Pediatric ENT
Children's ear infections, tonsils & adenoids, hearing concerns, breathing issues
Treatment time
2–3 visits
Language
English, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada
Location
Banjara Hills & Tadipatri
Insurance
Most major plans accepted
Benefits
Common conditions we treat
Children aren't small adults — their ENT problems present differently, their anatomy is still developing, and their tolerance for procedures is limited. Dr. Prathiba Reddy adapts her approach for younger patients, prioritizing clear communication with parents and conservative treatment wherever possible.
Ear infections in children Recurrent ear infections are one of the most common reasons children visit an ENT. Younger children are especially prone because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, trapping fluid more easily. We assess whether each episode needs antibiotics, whether fluid is accumulating behind the eardrum, and whether grommet (ventilation tube) insertion would break the cycle.
Tonsils & adenoids Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause mouth breathing, snoring, disturbed sleep, recurrent throat infections, or even behavioural changes from poor sleep quality. We evaluate the size relative to the child's airway and the frequency of infections before recommending removal — many children outgrow the problem, and surgery is reserved for those who clearly need it.
Hearing concerns Delayed speech, not responding when called, turning up the TV volume, or school reporting attention difficulties. These can all signal hearing issues — sometimes as simple as fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear), sometimes requiring a formal hearing assessment. Early identification is critical for speech and language development.
Breathing difficulties Noisy breathing, chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or observed pauses during sleep. Causes in children include enlarged adenoids, allergic nasal swelling, or occasionally structural issues. We assess the airway systematically and explain findings to parents in plain language.
Ideal Candidate
How we diagnose children's ENT conditions
Evaluating children requires patience, a gentle approach, and techniques adapted for their age. In your child's consultation, you can expect:
Parent-led history — we ask parents about symptom patterns, sleep quality, school performance, breathing during sleep, and any history of recurrent infections. Parents know their child's patterns best.
Gentle clinical examination — otoscopy (ear examination), oral and throat inspection, and nasal assessment done at the child's pace. We don't force examinations on distressed children — a calm child gives us better information.
Tympanometry — a quick, painless test that checks middle ear pressure and fluid. Especially useful for detecting glue ear in children too young to do a standard hearing test.
Hearing assessment (if indicated) — age-appropriate hearing tests ranging from visual reinforcement audiometry for infants to standard audiometry for older children.
We explain all findings to parents clearly, including what we found, what it means, and what the options are — no jargon without explanation.
Process Overview
What to expect from treatment
Dr. Prathiba Reddy's approach with children is especially conservative — many childhood ENT conditions improve with time, and the goal is to intervene only when waiting carries a genuine risk.
Watch-and-wait when appropriate Many conditions — mild glue ear, infrequent ear infections, moderately enlarged tonsils — resolve as the child grows. We set clear timelines and criteria for when to reassess rather than rushing to intervention.
Medical management first Antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections, nasal sprays for allergic congestion, or saline rinses for sinus symptoms. We choose child-friendly formulations and dosing, and explain administration clearly to parents.
Surgical intervention when the benefit is clear Grommet insertion, adenoidectomy, or tonsillectomy. These are among the most common paediatric surgeries and are well-established. We discuss expected benefits, realistic recovery timelines (including time off school), and what post-operative care looks like at home.
Follow-up planning Post-surgery children are seen at 1–2 weeks and again at 6–8 weeks. Grommet patients need periodic checks until the tubes naturally fall out (typically 6–12 months). Hearing is re-tested after treatment to confirm improvement.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs grommets (ear tubes)?
At what age can tonsils be removed?
Will my child need general anaesthesia?
My child snores — is that normal?
How long is recovery after tonsil surgery?
