Are your kids experiencing middle ear infections or swimmer’s ear?
Both infections can be painful for children, and repeated episodes of otitis media may even damage hearing. Even adults just like you can experience this health problem. In this blog, we explore the symptoms of these common infections and the role that ear hygiene plays in preventing them.
Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections
Also called otitis media, middle ear infections are characterized by:
- Fever
- Fussiness and pulling at one ear in infants and toddlers
- Complaints of ear pain and a sense of ear fullness
- Muffled, low-volume hearing
- Problems with sleeping and balance
- Vertigo
These symptoms develop due to viruses or bacteria invading the ear canal. Infected fluid builds up and causes pressure behind the ear drum. Extreme build up can cause ear drum bulging, and even rupture with drainage of pus. This leads to a condition called otitis media with effusion.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Also called otitis externa, swimmer’s ear affects the outer portion of the ear that is visible. Someone with this infection may complain that the affected ear itches. Plus, the ear may be:
- Red
- Puffy
- Draining pus
Swimmer’s ear happens when the outer ear is exposed to a lot of moisture from swimming or even from wearing a swim cap. Accumulated wax in the ear canal may also contribute to this infection, as can using fingers—or worse, foreign objects—to remove wax at home.
Treatments For and Prevention of Ear Infections
Most ear infections can easily be treated with antibiotics–either oral medications for otitis media or medicated drops for otitis externa. However, most ear, nose, and throat specialists, as well as pediatricians and primary care physicians, prefer to watch for signs of symptom resolution for a few days before prescribing any antibiotics.
Drinking plenty of fluids, applying warm compresses to the ear and taking fever reducers may provide sufficient symptom relief until the infection resolves. If symptoms worsen, then take a trip to the doctor’s office for an evaluation. Some children benefit from installation of ear tubes, and some adults benefit from eustachian tube dilation–both of which avoid fluid accumulation.
That said, one of the best ways to keep ears healthy, functional, and infection- free is to practice good ear hygiene. This consists of:
- Frequent handwashing with warm water and mild soap
- Avoiding touching your ears or itching the canal
- Never propping a baby bottle in an infant’s crib at night
- Keeping away from all secondhand smoke (or if you are a smoker, seeking a professional smoking cessation program)
- Drying the ears thoroughly after a bath, shower, or swimming
- Wearing ear plugs or custom ear molds to keep water out of the ear canals when swimming
- Using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to gently remove excess moisture from the ears
- Breastfeeding infants to boost natural immunity
Also, never place any kind of foreign object into the ear canal–cotton tipped swab, hair pin, paper clip or others. You risk puncturing the ear drum and introducing even more germs into the ear.
Lastly, be sure all adult and child vaccinations are up to date. Ear infections can start with the flu or other upper respiratory infections. So, take advantage of these preventive medications both for you and for your children.
Ear Infection Treatments in Georgetown, TX
If you have concerns about ear infections in your family, please contact Georgetown Ear, Nose and Throat for a consultation with Dr. Scott William Franklin. A board-certified and fellowship-trained otolaryngologist serving Williamson County, Dr. Franklin can help you keep your ears healthy and functional for years to come.
Call today for your appointment at (512) 869-0604 or request your visit here. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon.
