Understanding Ear Infections in Children: What Parents Need To Know

Anyone can develop an ear infection, but they affect kids far more often than teens or adults. Children are more susceptible to developing ear infections due to their small ear structures, which can make it difficult for fluids to drain out of the middle ear. Dr. Jeff Couchman, Dr. Susan McMahon, and Dr. Nicole Abdy, the experienced pediatricians at Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ, treat ear infections in kids.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Several symptoms can develop when kids have an ear infection. It helps to be able to recognize the symptoms since babies and younger children are not always able to explain what is bothering them. Signs your child might have an ear infection include:

• Fussiness
• Ear aches or pain
• Difficulty hearing sounds
• Rubbing or pulling on the ear
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Problems with balance
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Causes of Ear Infections

A main cause of ear infections in children is a virus or bacteria in the middle ear, often brought on by another illness, such as a cold, allergies, the flu, or a respiratory infection. These illnesses tend to cause nasal congestion or swelling of the nasal passages, throat, or eustachian tubes. The congestion and swelling can prevent fluid from draining from the middle ear, which could lead to an infection.

Treatment Options

There are several different ways to treat an ear infection and more than one method might be needed. For example, an oral antibiotic might be needed to clear the infection, while children’s pain medication or a warm compress could be used to alleviate pain and discomfort. At our pediatric office in Tucson, AZ, ear infections can be treated through any of the following methods:

• Oral antibiotics for the infection
• Prescription or over-the-counter pain relief medication
• Ear drops for preventing bacteria growth
• Warm compress for pain and discomfort

If your child has developed symptoms consistent with an ear infection, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Couchman, Dr. McMahon, or Dr. Abdy for the diagnosis and treatment of an ear infection by calling Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ, at (520) 648-5437.