Did you know that your child’s ear structures are still developing? That means your child is more susceptible to a common childhood medical issue, such as an ear infection. Your pediatrician can help. Drs. Heena Thakkar and Shilpa Pankaj at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, provide comprehensive pediatric medical care, including diagnosing and treating ear infections.
What You Need To Know About Childhood Ear Infections
Ear infections are caused by bacteria invading your child’s middle ear. The bacteria can be due to your child having a viral illness like a cold or the flu or a bacterial infection like strep throat.
It's important to know the signs and symptoms of an ear infection. Your child may have an ear infection if you notice that your child is:
- Fussy and crying
- Tugging or pulling at their ear
- Draining fluid out of the ears
- Having trouble hearing
- Having a fever
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing problems with balance
If you notice any signs and symptoms listed above, you must bring your child in for a pediatric visit. The pediatrician will examine your child’s ears. If your child has an ear infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. Your child must take antibiotics for 7 to 10 days to kill the bacteria and clear up the infection completely. Prescription-strength ear drops may also be recommended. If your child experiences frequent ear infections, the pediatrician may recommend the placement of ear tubes to help the ears drain fluid.
Remember that you can do a lot to prevent ear infections. You need to:
- Have your child wash their hands often
- Have your child receive the influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Avoid exposing your child to cigarette smoke
Want To Know More About Childhood Ear Infections?
To learn more about why ear infections are so common in children and how your pediatrician can help, call Drs. Thakkar and Pankaj at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (713) 861-4800, so call today.