You notice your child tugging at her ear, seemingly unresponsive to sounds. These are just a couple of the symptoms that may indicate an ear infection, a common condition among young children.
If you suspect your child might have an ear infection, bring them to your local Vital Urgent Care center. Our friendly and welcoming medical team will promptly evaluate your child so that you can begin treatment and help them feel better quickly.
Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection typically caused by a virus or bacteria. It often occurs as a result of other conditions, such as upper respiratory infections or allergies, leading to the swelling of the Eustachian tubes. This, in turn, increases the risk of an ear infection when fluid accumulates in the middle ear or the surrounding tissues of the mastoid bone.
The Eustachian tubes connect each middle ear to the back of your throat, regulating air pressure and draining fluid from the ears. Children are more susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal, making it difficult for them to drain properly. Acute otitis media with effusion (OME) can also occur when the Eustachian tubes become clogged.
An ear infection may manifest with various symptoms, including:
While ear infections are more common in children, adults can also develop them. If you experience any of the above symptoms after a cold or during a flare-up of seasonal allergies, it's advisable to seek evaluation at Vital Urgent Care.
To diagnose an ear infection, the medical team at Vital Urgent Care will gather information about the symptoms and perform a physical examination. During the examination, they will use an otoscope to examine the inside of the ears. If the ear appears inflamed, a pneumatic otoscope may be utilized to confirm the presence of fluid behind the eardrum. This device gently puffs air against the eardrum, and if the eardrum does not move or moves only slightly, it indicates the presence of fluid in the middle ear.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of blocked Eustachian tubes and middle ear infections, including:
The treatment for an ear infection depends on the patient's age and the severity of the infection. While some ear infections may improve without antibiotics, others may require medication.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a "wait-and-see" approach in certain cases, depending on the patient's age and the severity of their symptoms. Our medical team can evaluate children and determine the appropriate treatment, whether that involves immediate medication or a "wait-and-see" approach.
If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary to treat it. The provider will prescribe antibiotics based on the patient's age, whether they have an acute infection, and if they have a penicillin allergy.
While waiting for the infection to clear, there are a few things you can do to alleviate discomfort. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can provide relief. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain.
Remember, timely evaluation and appropriate treatment are crucial in addressing ear infections and ensuring your child's well-being.
There are several simple ways to decrease the likelihood of ear infections, such as receiving a yearly flu vaccine, practicing proper hand hygiene before touching your ears, and maintaining clean ear lobes.
Swimmer's ear, an infection that occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, provides a breeding ground for bacteria. This commonly affects individuals involved in water-based sports. To prevent the discomfort and pain associated with this infection, consider the following measures:
To reduce the risk of ear infections in children, pediatricians recommend limiting pacifier use after six months and ensuring proper feeding techniques to prevent liquids from dribbling into their ears, creating a moist environment conducive to ear infections.