Caring for Your Child's Ear Infection

Concerned that your child may have an ear infection? Here at Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Abingdon and Marion, VA, your pediatricians see many young children suffering from this condition and outline plans for best care and treatment. Here's what Drs. Hanley, Etter, and Lawrence recommend.

What Is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection is a painful childhood malady affecting 75 percent of youngsters before the age of three. This statistic from John Hopkins Medicine speaks to how common earaches are but does not address the pain, fever, hearing loss, and general malaise that accompany them. Missed work for parents and missed daycare and school days usually result as well.

How does an ear become infected? The infection stems from the germs from a cold or flu or the chronic stuffiness associated with allergies. Additionally, a child's eustachian tube (the tube that connects the nose and the middle ear), is typically horizontal and short, often leading to fluid collection, inflammation, and infection. The result is a bulging eardrum, pain, and fever.

In-Office Treatment of Otitis Media

Many ear infections resolve without any in-office treatment. Persistent symptoms, however, may require a five-to-ten day course of antibiotics. Chronic ear infections may need placement of tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) to facilitate drainage of fluid. These thin tubes are easily inserted by an ear, nose, throat specialist and normally fall out on their own over time.

At-Home Care

Comfort care goes a long way when your child has an ear infection. Administer antibiotics if prescribed by one of our pediatricians. Also, ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduces pain and fever. A warm compress to the affected side helps, as do fluids and rest. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to keep your child home from school and daycare until fever resolves and pain improves.

Concerned? Call One of Our Offices in Abingdon and Marion, Va, Today

At Royal Oak Pediatric Associates, your pediatricians, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, Dr. Anita Henley, and Dr. Tara Etter will help you manage your child's ear, nose and throat health. Call us at 276-783-8183. We have same-day sick visits with two offices to serve you in Abingdon and Marion, VA.