A Parents Guide to Ear Infections

Ear infections are among the most common reasons parents bring their children to the pediatrician. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly five out of six children will experience at least one ear infection before their third birthday. 

As a parent, if your child is experiencing frequent earaches, it is important to understand that the pain could be caused by a middle ear infection (otitis media), which often requires medical attention from a doctor, particularly an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.

At Topeka ENT, we have compiled this helpful guide to assist parents in caring for their children and understanding more about ear infections. 

Answers to Parents' Most Common Questions About Earaches/Ear Infections:

What Causes Ear Infections? 

An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by bacteria. The infection often occurs after a child has a sore throat, cold or other respiratory infection. If the upper respiratory infection is bacterial, the bacteria may spread to the middle ear, causing fluid to build up behind the eardrum inside the middle ear. 

How Can I Tell When My Child Has an Ear Infection?

The following list consists of common symptoms of an ear infection to look for in your child: 

• Ear pain or Pulling at the ear

• Crying or fussiness, especially in young children

• Difficulty hearing

• Fever

• Decreased appetite

• Fluid drainage from the ear (in severe cases)

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear 

What Other Factors Can Cause Ear Infections?

Your child may be more susceptible to developing an ear infection when the following occur: 

• They experience cold, flu or allergy symptoms. If your child experiences illness or symptoms that cause congestion and sneezing, fluid may be able to build up in the middle ear. 

• Daily exposure to germs, such as colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, can increase your child’s risk for ear infections. 

• Drinking from a bottle—If your child drinks from a bottle lying down for a nap or at bedtime, this may increase the risk of ear infections. When lying flat, liquids can easily flow into the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat. This can potentially cause inflammation and create an environment where bacteria can thrive and lead to an infection.

• Exposure to Smoking - Children who are exposed to environments where smokers have been have shown elevated risk for ear infections and other health issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and tooth decay. 

How Are Ear Infections Diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment planning for ear infections involves 3 recommended steps:

1. Your doctor will determine whether an infection is present by checking the child's temperature and examining the eardrum with a scope. If the eardrum is red and bulging, this suggests an infection. If the outer ear canal is inflamed but the eardrum appears normal, swimmer's ear might be the cause.

2. You and your doctor will discuss risk factors for ear infections and ways to reduce them. This can help prevent chronic infections that affect your child's well-being.

3. If your child has an infection, you and your doctor will monitor your child's symptoms to ensure they are recovering without pain.

What Are The Best Options For Treating Ear Infections?

Home Management for Earaches

Over-the-counter pain relief: As directed by your provider and based on your child's age and weight, parents can give over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). 

Warm Compress

Apply a warm compress to the affected ear for comfort.

Elevated Head Position

Encourage your child to sleep with their head slightly elevated using extra pillows.

What Other Factors Can Cause Ear Infections?

You should consider seeing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for an ear infection if you experience the following symptoms:

Severe or persistent ear pain: 

• Pain that lasts for more than 48 hours

• Pain that worsens with movement or lying down

  
  

Discharge from the ear: 

• Thick, yellow, green, or bloody discharge

• Discharge that smells foul or has a bad taste

Fever: 

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Hearing loss:

• Sudden or gradual hearing loss. 

Other symptoms:

• Dizziness or vertigo, Nausea or vomiting, Difficulty balancing, and Facial weakness or numbness. 

The symptoms of ENT disorders often overlap, which is why parents may prefer to consult with the specialists at Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat in cases of suspected ear infections. At Topeka ENT, our providers use a holistic approach to determine the cause of symptoms in order to recommend the right treatment for relief and healing. If your child experiences chronic ear infections or if recommended by your child’s primary care provider, take the first step toward ear, nose and throat relief by scheduling an appointment today.