Educational Videos for Parents

Button Batteries: Damaging if Swallowed, Put in Ears or Nose

A child's curiosity can be dangerous. More than 3,000 button battery ingestions are reported yearly in the US. Button batteries are the small round batteries found in small electronics, such as remote controls, toys, flameless candles, bathroom scales, and digital thermometers. 

In this video, Kris R. Jatana, MD, FAAP, Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Ohio State University & Nationwide Children's Hospital, explains the signs and symptoms of button battery ingestion, including when one is lodged in the ear canal or nose. 

If you ever suspect your child swallowed a button battery, go immediately to an emergency room. Serious damage can occur in as little as 2 hours. 

Choking Hazards, Parents of Young Children Should Know About

Philip Geadreau, MD

Young children 6 months to 3 years old are at the highest risk for choking on food and non-food items.  

In this video, Philip Geadreau, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences—Naval Medical Center San Diego, identifies the risk factors and common items associated with choking. He also explains what parents should do in a choking emergency. 

Remember, the most important step you can take is to prevent choking in the first place.

Tongue-Tie in Infants & Young Children

Anna K. Meyer, MD

Up to 10% of the population has some form of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia, tight frenulum). In this video, Anna K. Meyer, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of California in San Francisco, explains why it is important to talk with your doctor if your child's feeding, speech development, or oral health are compromised due to tongue-tie. Your doctor may refer you to a pediatric dentist, pediatric otolaryngologist, or pediatric plastic surgeon for further evaluation.  

Surgery (frenotomy or frenuloplasty) should be considered if the tongue-tie appears to restrict tongue movement, such as inability to latch on with breastfeeding. It is a is a simple, safe, and effective procedure—general anesthesia is not required.

Why Does My Child Have a Chronic Cough?

Matthew T. Brigger, MD, MPH

While all children will experience coughing, the development of chronic cough—one that lasts more than 4 weeks—warrants a visit to the pediatrician. 

In this video, Matthew T. Brigger, MD, MPH, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, explains the many different causes for a persistent or chronic cough in children. 

Ultimately, your pediatrician is your best source for evaluation and can refer you to a pediatric specialist if needed. 

Reasons Why Your Child Has a Runny Nose

William Collins, MD, FACS, FAAP

Are you constantly running after your child with tissues? Is the drainage clear, green, or yellow? 

The clear drainage everyone has in their nose actually serves an important purpose, and a small amount is normal. Too much, however, can clog the nose and lead to infection. Viruses can cause the mucus to be green or yellow.   

In this video, William Collins, MD, FACS, FAAP, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Florida, explains the anatomy of the nose, the many reasons a child will have runny nose, and when to see your doctor. Dr. Collins also discusses nasal injuries and the signs your child may have put something in his or her nose. 

What to Do If You Discover a Lump on Your Child's Neck

Amy R. Coffey, MD, FAAP

Pediatricians commonly see children with swollen glands or lumps under the skin of the neck. While this can be very alarming for parents, it is important to know that most neck masses are not a cause for concern.

In this video, Amy R. Coffey, MD, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, explains why swollen glands and other neck lumps can be caused by many different things, including illness, infection, or injury. She also review the various signs, symptoms, and treatment options.

Could My Child Have a Hearing Problem?

Carlton J. Zdanski, MD, FAAP, FACS

In this video, Carlton J. Zdanski, MD, FAAP, FACS, Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Surgical Director at the North Carolina Children's Airway Center, describes the process for evaluation and treatment for hearing loss in infants and children. He reminds parents that regardless of the severity of hearing loss, interventions exist which can be very beneficial to the child. The ABR and the OAE evaluations are effective tests for infants and children who cannot cooperate for a traditional hearing evaluation.

Noisy Breathing in Children

Matthew T. Brigger, MD, MPH

Noisy breathing can develop at any time throughout childhood. Most cases are not dangerous and will resolve. Others, however, could be the result of a serious problem.

In this video, Matthew T. Brigger, MD, MPH, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, explains the symptoms of noisy breathing and why it generally warrants evaluation by your child's pediatrician.

Does Your Child Snore?

Romaine Johnson, MD, MPH, FACS

As a parent, you need to be aware of your child's sleep and snoring patterns. In this video, Romaine Johnson, MD, MPH, FACS, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, explains why it is important to talk with your child's doctor if your child snores. A sleep study may be needed to monitor your child while he or she sleeps to determine if a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea , is present. Dr. Johnson also explains why enlarged tonsils and androids sometimes cause snoring. 

Treating Ear Infections in Children

Soham Roy, MD, FAAP, FACS

In this video, Soham Roy, MD, FAAP, FACS, Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and Associate Professor and Director of Quality and Safety at University of Texas Medical Center at Houston, explains how and why children get ear infections and discusses new treatment guidelines. 

Is your child's hearing loss genetic?
Marci Lesperance, MD; Sarah Drewes
CS Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Medicine

The following educational video outlines why genetics is important for children with hearing loss, as well as some of the key reasons children develop hearing loss.