Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology deals with the diseases of the ears, nose and throat that occur in the paediatric population. They have unique pathologies and diseases that require specific expertise and management strategies. These include the child's ability to breath normally, as the airway is proportionally smaller than at any other time in the humans life and is therefore especially vulnerable to infections and narrowing of the airway. Specialists in this field are in the best position to decide when a child should be operated on to improve its airway and ability to breathe. They also include the child's ability to hear normally, which is essential for the normal acquisition of language and speech and hence socialization of the child. Once again, these doctors are in the unique position correctly decide when and what surgery is needed to improve the ability of a child to hear.
The sub-specialty is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and has strengths in many areas, especially in liaising with other medical and surgical disciplines, and is responsible for delivering a coordinated and holistic approach to child health. A number of surgical procedures on the paediatric airway have been pioneered in Hong Kong. Research into otitis media in children has also earned the sub-specialty an international reputation.
Dr SIU Kwai Yee Alice
Deputy Chief, Division of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology