What your pediatricians in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Palm City want you to know
When your child has an ear infection, there are often very noticeable signs and symptoms. You need to know what to look for so you will know when to visit your pediatrician. Early treatment of an ear infection can lead to a better outcome and less pain for your child.
Your pediatricians at Children’s Physicians in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Palm City, FL, want to share how you can tell if your child is dealing with an ear infection.
For young children, the signs and symptoms of an ear infection may be sudden and dramatic. You need to look for:
- Frequent crying and fussiness
- Ear tugging and pulling
- Fever and difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty hearing and responding
- Balance problems
- Fluid coming out of your child’s ear
Ear infections can be caused by a cold or upper respiratory infection. During the course of an illness, bacteria can be transferred to your child’s ear, causing inflammation and pain. Fluid and bacteria form behind the eardrum, causing infection.
Prevention is the best course of action. You and your child can prevent ear infections by:
- Having your child frequently and thoroughly wash their hands
- Avoiding second-hand cigarette smoke
- Avoiding contact with sick children
- Receiving appropriate vaccinations
If you think your child has an ear infection, the experts at Children’s Physicians are ready to help. The most common method of treatment is a course of 7 to 10 days of antibiotics. They may also recommend eardrops to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. Children’s Tylenol or ibuprofen can also be added to help with symptoms.
For stubborn, chronic ear infections, surgery may be indicated. During surgery, a small tube is placed in the eardrum to increase air flow and decrease fluid accumulation.
Ear infections are the most frequent reason your child might need to visit the doctor. Schedule a visit with the experts by calling Children’s Physicians in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Palm City, FL.