Many parents notice that their child seems to be sick but find that nothing they do to stop the pain is helping. Sometimes, a specialist is needed to identify the problem and give them proper treatment.

Pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialists are well-versed in a variety of medical fields pertaining to common ailments of infants and toddlers. It is important to seek the immediate help of a specialist to cure the issue as soon as possible. Here are three common reasons that parents take their child to an ear, nose, and throat specialist:

Ear infections. Every parent knows the pain of watching their child struggle with an ear infection. By the age of three, a large percentage of children will have had at least one ear infection, and 30% will have had three or more episodes. In extreme cases, an ear infection left untreated can lead to hearing loss in adulthood. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can determine the exact cause of your child’s infection and administer the proper treatment to end their suffering.

Cleft lip. A relatively rare pediatric ailment, a cleft lip is a congenital split in a child’s lip and is a more advanced case of a cleft palate, which is a split in the roof of the mouth. The CDC estimates that about 4,440 babies are born with a cleft lip every year in the U.S. It is absolutely crucial to see a specialist to repair your child’s cleft lip. A cleft lip usually occurs in the first few months of life, and doctors recommend seeking repair surgery before your child’s first birthday.

Sinus infections. Sinus infections can lead to more serious issues in children ranging from breathing difficulties to even meningitis in extreme cases. A common symptom of a sinus infection is snoring. If your child randomly starts to snore in conjunction with what you perceive to be a cold, this could be a red flag that they have been stricken with a sinus infection. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can determine the exact problem and prescribe the antibiotics needed to fight the illness.

These are just a few of the many services offered by an ear, nose, and throat specialists. No parent likes to see their child in pain, and it’s important to seek the most qualified specialist you can find to get them the best care possible.