Ear Infections
Middle ear infections are most common in children and usually occur when an upper respiratory infection spreads to the middle ear via the Eustachian tube, or ear canal. The infection can affect the ear canal, the ear drums and nerves.
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Prevention:
- No smoking in the household.
- Treat infections promptly.
Risk factors:
- Recent respiratory infections.
- Genetic factors — ear infections are more common in boys.
- Children who had their first ear infection prior to six months of age.
- Children who attend daycare.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fever.
- Feeling of fullness and pain in the ear.
- Young children and infants tugging on their ear.
- Irritability.
- Discharge or leaking from the ear.
- Cold symptoms.
Diagnosis:
-
Is usually made upon examination of the ear by a health practitioner. Fluid from the ear may be cultured.
Treatment:
- Most commonly involves non-prescription medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection appears to be bacterial rather than viral. Be sure to finish this medication as the infection can remain active even after symptoms disappear.
- Apply heat to the area around the ears to relieve pain.
- If infections are persistent, surgery may be recommended to insert plastic tubes through the ear drum to drain pus or fluid from the middle ear.
Complications:
- Rupture of the ear drum.
- Hearing loss and secondary speech delay.
- Meningitis (extremely rare).
- Infection of the bone behind the ear.
ExpressCare24 @ Southcoast
When your family has a health problem — and your doctor isn't in — turn to ExpressCare 24 at Southcoast Hospitals.
We're here whenever you need us — all day, every day — with top-notch doctors backed by the full services of Southcoast Hospitals. We'll have you in and out in about one hour.
ExpressCare 24 at Southcoast. Great care that fits your schedule.
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363 Highland AvenueFall River, MA 02720
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