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Posts for: April, 2016
What you need to know about ear infections
Ear infections are more common in children because of narrow Eustachian tubes, the tubes that run from the middle ear to the back of the throat. In children, these tubes are more horizontal and narrow, allowing them to plug up more easily with bacteria and they don’t .jpg)
drain as well. Dr. Frank Kardos, your Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in Wayne, New Jersey, wants you to know the signs and symptoms to look for in case your child has an ear infection.
In children, the onset of symptoms is rapid and you need to look for:
- Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Ear pain, especially when your child is lying down
- Tugging or pulling at an ear, and fluid drainage from the ear
- Crying, irritability and difficulty sleeping
- Loss of balance and difficulty hearing
- Headache and loss of appetite
Dr. Kardos wants you to know adults can get ear infections too. Common signs and symptoms include pain in the ear, fluid drainage, difficulty hearing, and fever. Ear infections are usually caused from another illness like allergies, the flu or a cold. These illnesses cause swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, throat, and Eustachian tubes, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the middle ear.
You can try covering the ear with a warm, moist washcloth to relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain medications including Tylenol and ibuprofen are also helpful.
You should see Dr. Kardos if your child has:
- Symptoms for more than a day
- Your child is less than 6 months old
- Ear pain is severe
- There is fluid drainage or pus coming from the ear
- Your child can’t sleep or is irritable after a cold or other illness
If you or another adult has an ear infection, you should see Dr. Kardos as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause complications including hearing loss!
Common treatments for ear infections include antibiotic therapy and in the case of children, ear tubes may be placed to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid accumulation.
If you suspect you or your child might have an ear infection, don’t delay! Protect your ears and your hearing. Call Dr. Frank Kardos, your ENT specialist in Wayne, New Jersey. He can help you get relief from your ear infection, so call today!