ENT surgeons issue guidelines for parents on childcare during quarantine

Ear, nose, throat or otorhinolaryngology surgeons in Sri Lanka have presented several guidelines to follow during the current situation in order to minimise the number of ENT-related care the public, especially children, require.

Due to the risks involved in patient care and the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading among hospital staff as well as other patients, ENT healthcare services may be temporarily suspended unless an emergency. Thus it is vital that the public take measures to minimise the occurrence of incidents that require medical care and Otorhinolaryngology Surgeons Associations in Sri Lanka Chairman Dr. A.D.K.S.N. Yasawardene recommended the following precautionary measures in a statement issued today.

When consuming meat or fish, it is better to remove bones in the food and consume such food carefully so bones will not get lodged in the individual’s throat. This is especially applicable when feeding children.

Peanuts and other foods that are hard to bite should not be given to children below three years of age as they can easily get lodged in a child’s respiratory tract.

Paying special attention to children during this time is vital, as they may swallow or insert into their nose or ears small objects like parts of toys, coins, plastic beads, hair clips, and pulses. Parents are advised to not give children these objects to play with. In addition to this, parents and guardians should make sure minimal injuries are caused to a child when playing.

Button batteries should not be left within reach of children as swallowing them can be extremely harmful to children.

Cleaning ears with cotton buds and safety pins should not be done at any time, the Association stated, adding that those wearing dentures to be careful and ensure they do not accidentally swallow pieces of the denture.