Known by the medical term, acute otitis media, an ear infection can cause you to have a great deal of pain, and in more severe cases, may damage someone's hearing when left untreated. However, by knowing the signs and understanding the treatment, you can prevent any complications and reduce your suffering. At Westside Ear, Nose & Throat, serving Glendale, AZ, and the general vicinity, Dr. Ravi Agarwal and Dr. Daniel Bos can offer you treatment. Let's discuss.
General Information
An ear infection will affect the middle section of your ear. This is the space behind your eardrum that consists of the anvil, hammer, and stirrup -- the small bones inside your ear that transmit vibrations.
Ear infections are more common in children than adults since kids have smaller Eustachian tubes. Often, they're horizontal, making it more difficult for fluid drainage.
It doesn't help that kids aren't always the best at blowing their noses. This issue can heighten a child's risk of fluid buildup in the eardrum.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
It's common for an ear infection to happen after a cold.
In adults, the signs of an ear infection may include fluid drainage, difficulty hearing, and ear pain.
In children, pain may be a symptom as well. However, the issue may affect a child worse and lead to issues, such as a fever, headache, loss of appetite, or loss of balance. An infection can cause hearing difficulty, difficulty sleeping, or an increase in fussiness. Younger children may tug at the affected ear.
Risk Factors of Ear Infections
Research shows babies who are bottle-fed as opposed to being bottle-fed have more of a risk of an ear infection. Since children in daycare programs are around groups of children regularly, their chances of acquiring colds are greater,
Since the Eustachian tubes of children who are six months to two years old are smaller, they're more at risk. It doesn't help that children in this age bracket have underdeveloped immune systems.
How We Treat Ear Infections
Antibiotics may be the treatment approach we'll recommend for a child with an ear infection that lasts 48 hours or longer. We'll also take into consideration if your child has a fever and the degree of pain he or she has.
In cases where a kid has recurring infections, our Glendale, AZ, practitioner may recommend surgery to insert tubes into the ear to prevent more fluid buildup.
Westside Ear, Nose & Throat, serving Glendale, AZ, and the neighboring communities, has Dr. Agarwal or Dr. Daniel Bos who can treat ear infections in children and adults to prevent complications. Most often, an antibiotic is the go-to-treatment. But, if it's a recurring problem, we may recommend surgery.
Call us at (602) 938-3777.