Three out of four children in the United States will develop at least one ear infection before the age of 6. And many children suffer from recurring ear infections, which may require intensive treatment.
Parents can reduce their worry – and their child’s distress – by learning the signs and symptoms of an ear infection and knowing what steps to take to reduce their little one’s pain.
What’s “normal”?
“It’s fairly typical for children to have two ear infections, even within a few months,” says Kelsey-Seybold Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist Leticia Peltzer, MD. “However, if your child suffers from recurrent ear infections – one ear infection after another – then the child may require special treatment.”
How are recurrent ear infections usually treated?
“There are several treatment options,” says Dr. Peltzer. “It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each with your doctor.”
Available treatments include the following:
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Preventive antibiotics over a long period of time. This can lower the number of ear infections your child gets. However, treatment with an oral antibiotic for three to six weeks must be weighed against the potential for antibiotic resistance.
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A tube that is surgically inserted into your child’s eardrum. This common procedure allows fluid to drain, reducing middle ear pressure and infections. The ear tubes usually fall out by themselves within six to 18 months.
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Removal of the child’s adenoids. If a child needs more than one set of tubes, then taking out the adenoids may reduce the number of ear infections a child has.
How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?
“The most telling sign of an ear infection is ear pain,” says Dr. Peltzer. But many children with ear infections are too young to say, “My ear hurts.” Clues that a baby or toddler is in pain include irritability, crying, tugging at one or both ears, loss of appetite and trouble sleeping.
“Call your child’s doctor if you suspect an ear infection,” urges Dr. Peltzer. “An untreated ear infection can sometimes cause serious problems, including permanent hearing loss.” She notes that it is especially important to watch for telling symptoms during or after a cold since this is usually when ear infections develop.
Why do some children get more ear infections than others?
The following factors increase a child’s risk of getting frequent ear infections:
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Exposure to cigarette smoke
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Allergies
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Frequent colds
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Exposure to a lot of germs from siblings and other young children
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A history of ear infections as a young baby
When should a parent see a specialist in ENT?
Medical specialists who are trained to treat Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) disorders are called “Otolaryngologists.” Kelsey-Seybold’s Otolaryngologists treat children and adults for conditions ranging from hearing loss and ear infections to sinus or throat disorders. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions, you may want to schedule an appointment with a specialist in ENT:
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Recurrent ear infections
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Failure to pass a school hearing test
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Speech and language problems
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Frequent nasal congestion and headaches
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Loud snoring or any interruption in sleep, which may be an indication of a serious condition called “sleep apnea”
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Sinus pain and congestion
To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold ENT specialist, call 713-442-0427.
