We Provide High-Quality Care for Our Pediatric Patients
Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy provides pediatric ear infection treatment to patients throughout Columbus, IN, and the surrounding areas. We boast an unwavering commitment to providing our valued patients compassionate care and highly-effective services. We treat patients of all ages and do all we can to ensure we bring them relief for a better quality of life. Our expert ear, nose, throat, and allergy specialists are here to help.
What is a Pediatric Ear Infection?
A pediatric ear infection is an ear infection that occurs in babies, toddlers, and children. An ear infection is the middle ear inflammation that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This is usually caused by the accumulation of bacteria.
Why Do Children Get Ear Infections So Often?
Children are more prone to ear infections than adults, and there are several reasons for this. For one, a child’s immune system isn’t fully developed and, therefore, isn’t as effective as an adult’s. A weaker immune system means more difficulty fighting infections. Additionally, eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children, making it challenging for fluid to drain from the ears, even with standard conditions. If the eustachian tubes become swollen or blocked, fluid may not be able to drain.
The Causes of Pediatric Ear Infections
There is no singular cause of pediatric ear infections. Most often, however, pediatric ear infections are caused by bacteria and often proceed a child suffering from a sore throat, cold, or upper respiratory infection. If the upper respiratory infection is bacterial, this same bacteria can travel to the middle ear and cause a secondary infection, causing fluid to build up behind the eardrum.
The Symptoms of Pediatric Ear Infections
If your child has an ear infection, there will likely be various telltale signs. The first and foremost will be pain inside the ear. Other baby ear infection symptoms and toddler ear infection symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A sense of fullness in the ear
- Runny Nose
- Muffled hearing
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Tugging at the ears
- Loss of balance
- Crying and irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever and diarrhea
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Kids
Pediatric ear infections cannot always be prevented, but there are things parents can do to reduce their child’s risk for ear infections. The best way to prevent kids’ ear infections is to reduce the associated risk factors. Ways to prevent ear infections in kids include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vaccinating your child annually against the flu
- Vaccinating your child with the13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
- Encouraging your child to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs
- Keeping your child away from other sick children
- Helping your child avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
- Refraining from putting your child down for a nap with a bottle
Contact Us Today for Pediatric Ear Infection Treatment
At Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy, you’ll find some of the best hearing services in Southern Indiana. If you’re seeking baby ear infection treatment or toddler ear infection treatment, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our audiology services or contact us today to learn more about pediatric ear infections and the treatment we offer. We look forward to serving your needs and treating your child’s ear infection professionally, compassionately, and promptly.