How Can I Treat my Child's Chronic Ear Infection at Home?
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Does your child suffer from frequent chronic ear infections? If so, you probably want to treat them at home where your child feels comfortable and safe. After seeking medical care and obtaining medication, you can treat your child’s ear infection at home.
At Cross Timbers ENT, we treat patients at our Arlington, Midlothian, and Mansfield locations. We also serve the medical needs of the surrounding areas from all over DFW and throughout the greater metroplex.
What is an ear infection in your child?
An ear infection (referred to as acute otitis media) is a viral or bacterial infection that occurs in your child’s middle ear. The middle ear is the central area of the ear located directly behind the eardrum and is home to the vibrating bones. An ear infection is often brought on by allergies, flu, or cold infections.
Ear infections are quite common in children and one of the leading reasons why parents seek medical care for their children. However, adults are not immune to ear infections, and they can occur in older adults. If you suspect your child has an ear infection and want to treat the little one at home, then you’ll need to seek medical care at Cross Timbers ENT to obtain treatment instructions and medication.
Are there other types of ear infections?
An outer ear infection is often called “swimmer’s ear” or “otitis externa.” The infection causes pain, redness, and itching within the ear canal. It can also cause discharge. An outer ear infection usually occurs from swimming or exposure to water. The ear canal becomes damp, and bacteria start to grow. If not treated, an outer ear infection can spread to other areas of the ear. Eardrops are usually prescribed to treat the infection.
A middle ear infection causes pain and discomfort. Left untreated, it can cause hearing problems. Typically, most middle ear infections are treated using antibiotics. If your child suffers from reoccurring middle ear infections, the physician might recommend the placement of ear tubes.
Treating ear infections
Our physicians at Cross Timber ENT will perform a physical exam on your child to determine if they have an ear infection. An infection caused by bacterial contamination is treated using antibiotics. The prescription medications used vary depending on the child’s age, allergies, and overall health. In some cases, the infection might not clear up after only a single round of antibiotics and will require additional treatment. Ear drops and other medications may also be prescribed to treat an ear infection in a child.
Symptoms of an ear infection
Symptoms of an ear infection can include the following:
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Pain and pressure in the ear
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Loss of balance
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Itching
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Discharge
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Hearing problems
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Fever
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Dizziness
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Popping in the ears
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Fatigue
Book an appointment today
Do you believe that your child has an ear infection? If so, book an appointment with our experienced team of doctors at Cross Timbers ENT. We have locations in Arlington, Midlothian, and Mansfield. Our team of specialists also serves the surrounding areas throughout DFW. At your child’s appointment, you’ll learn about our audiology experts' approach to treating ear infections in children.