Hospitals for sick children were founded in the first decade of the 20th century, and even before. Dedicated nurses and doctors with an interest in children were pioneers in those child-friendly hospitals, although diagnostic and therapeutic techniques were modest. Currently, medical and surgical disciplines cooperate with paramedical professionals and specially trained nurses in the treatment of children. The contribution of professionals with an expertise in biochemistry and biophysics

has also become essential, since routine procedures and research are dependent on advanced and advancing technology.

The scope of pathologists has broadened to the cellular and subcellular level. Molecular medicine is making progress. Information technology has contributed to the development of disciplines like epidemiology, clinical epidemiology and genetics. Modern imaging techniques produce data pertinent to the anatomy and metabolism

of pathological processes. Pediatric otorhinolaryngology has largely benefited from these new technologies and data produced by recent research. Moreover, interdisciplinary teamwork in audiology, vestibular pathology, neuro-otology, speech and hearing disorders, and allergy and genetics, together with the contributions of intensive care specialists, pediatricians and anesthetists have all contributed to raise the quality of patient care in pediatric otorhinolaryngology. The biannual international congresses of the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO) have provided a prominent worldwide forum, presenting the latest research and evaluation of new and current practice, and acting as a meeting point for all colleagues with an interest in treating children with otorhinolaryngology-related pathology.

It is my great pleasure to welcome and recommend this book. We should be most grateful to John Graham, former president of the ESPO, Glenis Scadding, eminent in the field of allergy, and Peter Bull a distinguished pediatric laryngologist, and appreciate their great efforts to present a state of the art account of our specialty. They have brought together a group of eminent authors, presenting recent advances in all aspects of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. You will certainly appreciate their upto-date information and critical evaluation of the field of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.