| Condition | Etiology | Common symptoms | Treatment options |
|---|---|---|---|
| glue ear/ otitis media with effusion | fluid is trapped in the middle ear cavity. | ear discomfort, hearing loss, speech/ language issues, balance problems. |
|
| ear infections/acute otitis media | acute infection of the middle ear. | fever, ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, disturbed sleep. |
|
| snoring/ obstructive sleep disorder | upper airway obstruction during sleep from nose, adenoid and/ or tonsils. | varying degree of severity from snoring to sleep apnea, mouthbreathing, restless sleep, frequent waking, poor growth, bed-wetting, behaviour issues, issues swallowing. |
|
| tonsillitis | infection of the tonsils. | sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, sleep obstruction. |
|
Glue ear/ Otitis media with effusion
Fluid is trapped in the middle ear cavity
Common symptoms: ear discomfort, hearing loss, speech/ language issues, balance problems
Treatment: observation, limited role of nasal sprays/ antihistamines/ antibiotics, may require grommets
Ear infections/acute otitis media
Acute infection of the middle ear
Common symptoms: fever, ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, disturbed sleep
Treatment: pain relief, oral antibiotics, may require grommets
Snoring/ obstructive sleep disorder
Upper airway obstruction during sleep from nose, adenoid and/ or tonsils.
Common symptoms: varying degree of severity from snoring to sleep apnea, mouthbreathing, restless sleep, frequent waking, poor growth, bed-wetting, behaviour issues, issues swallowing
Treatment: nasal sprays for nasal congestion, frequently require adenoid and tonsil surgery
Tonsillitis
Infection of the tonsils.
Common symptoms: sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, sleep obstruction
Treatment: self limiting at times, pain relief, antibiotics, may require tonsillectomy if frequent episodes