Treating Your Child's Ear Infection

Treating Your Child's Ear Infection

Children can develop an ear infection as the result of a virus or bacteria that causes inflammation and fluid build-up. Some kids only experience occasional ear infections, while others seem to be prone to them. It is always best to see a pediatrician for treatment when your child displays symptoms of an ear infection. Additional problems could develop if an ear infection is left untreated. Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj, the skilled pediatricians at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, can diagnose and treat your child’s ear infection.
 

Symptoms of an Ear Infection
 

Ear infections in children often affect the middle ear and sometimes result in fluid build-up behind the eardrum, which can cause temporary hearing loss. Additionally, several symptoms can develop in conjunction with the infection. Young children are not always able to explain their symptoms so it is beneficial when parents are able to recognize them. Symptoms associated with an ear infection include:
 

  • Fluid drainage from the ear
  • Rubbing or pulling on the ears
  • Crying or fussiness
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Balance problems
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fever

Treating Ear Infections
 

Ear infections can cause some serious problems when left untreated. In addition to being painful, ear infections can lead to a ruptured eardrum or long-term hearing loss. Fortunately, several options are available for treating ear infections in children. The experienced pediatricians at our office in Houston, TX, can develop a treatment plan for your child.
 

Antibiotics and ear drops are often used to treat ear infections. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers might also be recommended to lower a fever, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation. For children prone to chronic ear infections or fluid build-up, ear tubes are another treatment option. Ear tubes are thin tubes that are placed in the eardrum to create a way for trapped fluid to drain out of the ear and to improve airflow. Improving airflow helps prevent fluid from building up behind the eardrum again.
 

Many children experience ear infections at some point, but chronic infections can lead to hearing loss and other issues. If your child displays symptoms of an ear infection, schedule an appointment with Dr. Thakkar or Dr. Pankaj, our knowledgeable and friendly pediatricians, by calling Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, at (713) 861-4800.

Peekaboo Pediatrics

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed