Children often suffer from ear infections. As a parent, you’ll see it happen – probably more than once. However, there reaches a certain point where it’s a chronic issue and you might have to call up a otolaryngologist (ear / nose / throat doctor). When your child has a chronic ear infection, there may be a bigger problem at hand.
What are the typical symptoms of Chronic Ear Infections?
An ENT may help find the root cause of an ear infection.
Because ear infections are normal in children, it can be hard to differentiate between chronic and acute ear infections. There are a few symptoms that might lead you to believe your child is suffering from chronic ear infections:
- Low-grade fever that won’t break
- Pressure in one or both of the ears
- Pus or fluid drainage
- Temporary hearing loss
- Fussiness, especially when going to sleep Pulling or tugging on the ear that’s causing pain
Why Does My Child Get Ear Infections so Often?
In most cases, chronic ear infections are caused by the Eustachian tube being too narrow or blocked. Even though all children have narrower Eustachian tubes, some might have tubes that are constantly swollen or too narrow to stabilize the pressure between the middle ear. If your child is getting very frequent ear infections, you may need to develop a plan with a doctor to help treat them during childhood and adolescence.
Treatment Options for Chronic Ear Infections in Murray Hill
New York City Otolaryngologist Stacey Silvers, MD can help your child find relief from chronic ear infections. Schedule an appointment with us to find out which of the following treatment options is right for you:
- Antibiotics
- Antibiotics are commonly used to treat antibiotics. To determine the kind of antibiotic that will treat the infection quickly, your physician will probably take a sample of the fluid.
- Ear Drops
- Ear drops or a diluted vinegar solution might be used if there is a hole in the eardrum
- Surgery
- If a child isn’t responding to medications, surgery might be necessary. Your doctor will surgically insert a small tube through the eardrum, connecting the middle ear and the outer ear. This will help fluid drain and lessen the symptoms of ear infections.
- Learn more about
- Vaccines
- Speak with one of our physicians about the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine which fights against some of the bacteria that cause ear infections.
If left untreated, ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss, damage to the ear bones, damage to the balance function in the ear, and even facial paralysis.
Call our office at (212) 213-3339 to speak to Dr. Stacey Silvers about chronic ear infections.