 |
|
|
|
The information provided by The Pediatric Group, PLLC website is information of a general nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on for personal medical reasons and should not be relied upon as providing specific medical advice or for diagnosis or treatment. All information contained on this website is presented as is, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Please note that visiting this website alone does not establish a physician-patient relationship with any physician engaged by The Pediatric Group, PLLC. You should consult your own physician for specific advice for your own personal situation.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
 |
Ear Infections
Definition: An ear infection occurs when the
space
behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum) becomes infected by
bacteria. Ear infections are frequently complications of colds,
because the eustachian tube (the tube from the inner ear to the nose)
becomes blocked. When treated appropriately, there should be no
permanent damage to the ear or hearing. Children who are
frequently exposed to cigarette smoke are at increased risk of getting
ear infections.
Symptoms:Your toddler may begin
to act fussy or cranky, have an elevated temperature, and may
repeatedly pull at his ears. An older child may tell you that her
ear hurts or feels funny (stuffy, full, cannot hear like usual).
Cloudy fluid or pus draining from the outer ear is usually an
indication of an ear infection. Occasionally drainage may be
blood-tinged if the eardrum has ruptured.
Please note! Infants who are discovering
their body parts
may tug at and play with their ears just for fun. In general,
tugging at the ears is not a symptom of ear infection
unless it is also
accompanied by fussiness and an elevated temperature.
What to do if you suspect
your child has an ear infection:
- Call our office during office hours to schedule an
appointment. The only way to be sure about a diagnosis is for the
pediatrician to examine the ear drum.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for your child to
kill the germs that are causing the infection.
Antibiotics will not provide immediate relief
and must all be taken
as directed even if your child appears to feel better. Please
do not stop the
medication until all doses are given.
Home Care for Pain and Discomfort:
- Give an appropriate dose of acetaminophen
(Tylenol®, etc) or ibuprofen (Motrin®).
- Apply a warm damp washcloth to the outer ear for
20 minutes to reduce pain while the medicine takes
effect. Some children prefer a cold compress or cool pack for 20
minutes.
- If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear
canal, wipe it away as it appears. Do not plug the ear canal with
cotton, since this can spread the infection to the
outer ear.
- Elevate your child’s head for sleeping. This
will help to relieve pressure on the ear drum.
- If your child complains of pain only in one ear,
have him/her lie down with the good ear down (on the
pillow). This will also help relieve pressure on the ear drum.
|
| |
| |
|
|
 |
