(NAPSA)—To help your chil- dren stay healthy, it may be wise to keep an eye on their ears, noses and throats. Children suffer from illnesses of the ear, nose and throat more than any other part of the body. In fact, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) report that: e Children visit physicians because of ear infection more than for any other disorder. Improperly treated ear infections can lead to hearingloss. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and e Hearing impairment and deafness are common postnatal throat specialists) can help protect children from the most common childhood maladies. can children suffer from respiradren were diagnosed with hay curtains with shades or blinds. Every week, freeze stuffed toys for 24 hours and then wash them to kill dust mites. Don’t smoke or gic rhinitis, can lead to chronic sinusitis. ) Some 42 percent of schoolaged children may suffer from spray furniture polish, air cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters. Get rid of carpets and rugs. When the pollen count is high, ing and watery nose and eyes and sneezing and a blocked nose. On importance of children’s ear, nose and throat health, otolaryngologists started a public education children are absent from school due Health. In addition to giving pedi- If your child has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, there are a numberof things you can do. Try to keep pets outside or confined to carpet-free areas outside the bedroom. Fully encase mattresses and pillows in semipermeable coverings to keep down dust mites. Replace the child’s bedroom program provides information on the diagnoses of ear, nose and throat disorders to other physi- developmental disabilities. e Nearly 12 percent of Ameri- tory allergies. More than seven million chilfever in 2001. (Hayfever, or aller- allergic rhinitis. It can cause interrupted sleep, increased fatigue,irritability, loss of concentration, itchany given day, more than 10,000 to allergic rhinitis. allow smoking in the house. Use a keep the child indoors. To help teach parents the campaign called Kids E.N.T. atric health advice to parents, the cians and healthcare givers. For more information on the program or to learn more about protecting your child’s ear, nose and throat health, visit the Web site www.entnet.org/KidsENT.
