Children are usually
referred to the Laryngology clinic when there is some concern about their voice
and/or the way they breathe. (For example they may be a 'noisy
breather'). As a parent or carer, if you know what
to expect before the appointment you are better able to help your
child be prepared, answer questions they may have and give
themconfidence and
reassurance. If possible, it is better if you can stay with
your child during the appointment. To help
us find the cause of your child's problem, we will ask you
questions about your child's health history and any current
problems they may be having. We will also talk with your
child.
How you say it: Laryngology
laryn-gol-lo-jee (gol as in gold..)
Who will my child
see?
The Otolaryngologist,
an expert doctor specialising in problems with the Ears, Nose and
Throat (sometimes called an ENT doctor or surgeon) will examine
your child's ears, nose and mouth.
A Speech Pathologist
will ask specific questions about your child's voice and
speech.
How you say it: Otolaryngologist
oto-laryn-gol-lo-jist
What is a
Laryngoscopy?
Usually we need to
look inside your child's throat to find out what is causing the
problem. We do this with a little flexible tube called a
'flexible Laryngoscope'. It has a light and a camera
attached at one end so we can easily look into the back of the
throat and voice box and film what we see. This is called a
Laryngoscopy.
How you say it: Laryngoscopy
larin-goss-copy, Laryngoscope
larin-go-scope
What to
expect
- The doctor (Otolaryngologist) examines
your child's nose and then sprays a little anaesthetic up the
nostril. This makes the inside of the nose and the back of the
throat feel numb, so that the Laryngoscope can easily slide in the
nose without much distress or discomfort to your child. The
spray doesn't taste very nice so we offer your child a lolly pop to
take away the unpleasant taste.
- After a few minutes the inside of the nose
is quite numb. The doctor will then slide the tube into the
nostril to see the back of the throat and the vocal cords. This
part can be a bit uncomfortable because the nasal passage is quite
small and the back of the throat is sensitive.
- The Laryngoscopy usually takes a couple of
minutes. The image of the inside of your child's nose and throat
will appear on a television monitor - you can watch if you
wish. Your child will be asked to say a few words or make some
sounds during the procedure so that movement of the speech and
voice structures can be observed.
- The Otolaryngologist
and Speech Pathologist will discuss what they see
with each other first and then with you. You'll get a chance to talk about treatment
options if needed.
Care at home afterwards
The nasal spray takes
about an hour to wear off. It can be difficult for your child
to swallow during this time so they should be careful with hot
drinks and food.
If your child has any
ongoing discomfort they can take some
paracetamol.
If you have ongoing
concerns talk to your family doctor or call the RCH ENT Department
- tel (03) 9345 4860.
Clinic staff
For more
information
If you have any
questions or concerns, please talk to the clinic staff during your
appointment.
If you have ongoing concerns
talk to your family doctor.
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital General Surgery and Urology departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed June 2020.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit
www.rchfoundation.org.au.