Throat Care

Pediatric Throat Care in Covington, LA (St. Tammany Parish)

When your child has ongoing sore throats, enlarged tonsils, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or frequent throat infections, it can affect sleep, eating, school, and everyday comfort. At Kathy Chauvin ENT, we provide thoughtful, child-focused evaluation and treatment for a wide range of pediatric throat conditions.

Dr. Kathy Chauvin cares for children from infancy through age 12 and takes a conservative, child centered approach. We take time to understand your child’s symptoms, explain what may be causing them, and recommend the treatment options that make the most sense for your child.

​When to See a Pediatric ENT for Throat Concerns

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Consider an ENT evaluation if your child has:

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• Frequent sore throats

• Recurrent strep throat

• Enlarged tonsils

• Snoring or restless sleep

• Mouth breathing

• Trouble swallowing

• Choking or gagging with foods

• Hoarse voice or voice changes

• Chronic throat clearing

• Bad breath related to tonsils

• Tonsil stones (when present)

• Concerns about enlarged adenoids (often linked with throat/sleep symptoms)

Common Throat Conditions We Evaluate & Treat​​

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Tonsillitis and Recurrent Throat Infections

Some children have repeated throat infections, including strep throat, that can disrupt school and family routines. We evaluate how often infections are happening, how severe they are, and whether medical treatment or further intervention is appropriate.

Enlarged Tonsils

Large tonsils can contribute to snoring, noisy breathing, difficulty swallowing, restless sleep, and daytime irritability or fatigue. We assess how enlarged the tonsils are and whether they may be affecting breathing or sleep quality.

Adenoid-Related Symptoms

Although adenoids are behind the nose, enlarged adenoids often go along with throat and sleep concerns. These can contribute to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, congestion, and poor sleep. We evaluate the full picture to determine what may be contributing to your child’s symptoms.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing / Snoring

Snoring is common, but frequent loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping, or restless sleep may be signs of a bigger issue. We evaluate the airway and help families understand whether tonsils and adenoids may be involved.

Swallowing Concerns

If your child is gagging, choking, avoiding certain textures, or having trouble swallowing, we can evaluate for ENT-related causes and discuss next steps. In some cases, we may coordinate with your child’s pediatrician or other specialists.

Hoarseness and Voice Changes

A hoarse voice that lasts more than a short illness may need to be evaluated. We assess common causes of pediatric voice changes and help families understand when treatment or monitoring is recommended.

Chronic Throat Clearing

Frequent throat clearing may be related to irritation, post-nasal drainage, reflux-related symptoms, or other throat issues. We evaluate patterns and associated symptoms to guide treatment.

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Throat Services & In-Office Care

Depending on what your child needs, we may provide:

• Evaluation and treatment for recurrent sore throats and throat infections

• Tonsil and adenoid evaluation for snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep concerns

• Evaluation of enlarged tonsils causing swallowing or breathing concerns

• Evaluation of swallowing complaints (painful swallowing, gagging, choking, food avoidance)

• Evaluation of chronic throat clearing and throat irritation

• Evaluation of hoarseness and ongoing voice changes

• Cultures/testing when indicated (for infection concerns)

• Guidance on treatment options, monitoring, and follow-up care

• Referral coordination when needed for additional testing or specialty care

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How We Evaluate Throat Concerns

Your visit typically includes:

• A thorough symptom history (how long, how often, infections, swallowing concerns, sleep impact)

• A gentle throat and ENT exam

• Evaluation of the tonsils and airway symptoms

• Discussion of likely causes (infection vs tonsils/adenoids vs irritation vs drainage)

• A clear plan and follow-up timeline

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Schedule an Appointment

If you’re concerned about your child’s throat, tonsils or swallowing , we’re here to help.

No referral required. Referrals are welcome. Call our office to schedule with Dr. Kathy Chauvin at 985-945-2677 , or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment. 
 

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