Pediatric Otolaryngology in COVID-19

Abstract

While the majority of the initial attention to symptomatic COVID-19 focused on adult patients as well as adult critical care and first responders, the pandemic drastically altered care throughout the entire health care industry. COVID-19 has had a profound effect on the treatment and care of pediatric patients within pediatric otolaryngology. The objective of this article is to highlight the unique ramifications of COVID-19 in general and its effect within pediatric otolaryngology, with a focus on the immediate and potential long-term shifts in practice. This article addresses several aspects of care within pediatric otolaryngology including safety, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 detailing the unique effects of the pandemic on the pediatric otolaryngology specialty and opportunities.

Keywords: COVID-19; Nose and throat; Pediatric ear; Pediatric otolaryngology.

Fig. 1

Aerosolized particles during surgery and need for PPE.

Fig. 2

Airway evaluation with protective PPE and protective covering over the airway.

Fig. 3

Retropharyngeal phlegmon present in COVID-19 + children. (A-C) Axial and sagittal imaging of retropharyngeal edema of 3 cases of MIS-C.