Is Your Child Dealing With An Ear Infection?

Is Your Child Dealing With An Ear Infection?

Ear infections are quite common during childhood. In fact, a majority of children have experienced their first earEar Infection infection by age one. It is not always easy to know for certain if your child has an ear infection, particularly when they are too young to speak and cannot describe their symptoms. There are symptoms you can look for to indicate if your child is dealing with an ear infection. At Parker Ear, Nose & Throat, Dr. Andrew Parker is your ear, nose and throat doctor in New Canaan, Westport and Norwalk, CT and treats ear infections in children and adults.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

There are several possible symptoms of an ear infection. If your child exhibits any of these, an ear infection has possibly developed. See your New Canaan ear, nose and throat doctor for a diagnosis and treatment if you do suspect an ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include:

  • Ear aches or pain
  • Rubbing the ears
  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Fever
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite or vomiting
  • Problems with balance
  • Trouble hearing quiet sounds

Treatments

There are a few treatment options for children with an ear infection. Antibiotics are a common method for treating ear infections caused by a bacterial infection. Ear tubes are another option for treating ear infections. Ear tubes provide ventilation to the middle ear, which can become clogged and develop fluid build-up. Ear tubes are surgically placed in the ear and remain in place for several months. They can prevent additional ear infections by keeping the middle ear clear and free of fluid build up.

If you believe your child is dealing with an ear infection, it is important to seek treatment right away to prevent complications. Ear pain, fluid draining from the ear, fever, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite are all signs of a potential ear infection. If your child has any of these symptoms, see your New Canaan ear, nose and throat specialist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Parker, call Parker Ear, Nose & Throat at (203) 866-8121.