The first appointment with the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor can be overwhelming and exhausting. To help better prepare you and your family, Coping With LM has created a list of suggest questions to ask your child's ENT.
1. How severe is the laryngomalacia? Do you suspect tracheomalacia, bronchomalacia, or pharyngomalacia?
2. During the scope, was GERD (reflux) present? If yes, how severe? What is the treatment?
3. If surgery is needed, how many surgeries (supraglottoplasty) have you (the ENT) performed?
4. Do you use laser or cold steel during a supraglottoplasty?
If the ENT only uses laser please consider going to another doctor.
5. Will you perform a bronchoscopy during surgery?
6. What are your thoughts about second and third surgeries?
7. If surgery is not needed, how long is the watch and wait period?
8. When do I need to call 911?
9. Do you suggest any of the following tests? If no, why not?
Sleep study, barium swallow, chest or neck x-ray.
10. What are signs/symptoms my baby is aspirating his/her food?
11. Are there any home remedies I can do to help improve the symptoms?
12. When do you believe my baby’s symptoms will improve?
13. How can I get in touch with you (the ENT) after office hours?
14. Are any specialist (pulmonologist, cardiologist, gastro) follow ups needed?
15. What hospital are you (the ENT) affiliated with?
16. What is your Emergency Appointment Policy? Can my child be seen the same day I call?
17. Does your office offer an online medical portal?
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