NEWS

When your child isn’t feeling well, you want to get them seen about as soon as possible. A common reason for a sick child visit is ear infections. At Pediatric Associates of Wellesley serving Weston and Medfield, MA, we know how important it is to have your child’s ear infection seen about quickly. Keep reading to learn more about treating pediatric ear infections.

What You Should Know About Ear Infections

Middle ear infections are very common in young children. Sometimes this type of infection is referred to as otitis media. Most ear infections are not serious, but proper care and treatment are necessary to keep the ear infection from becoming serious. 

Ear infections are often caused by a virus or bacteria. If germs get into the eustachian tube it can cause an infection. The eustachian tube travels from the back of the throat to the middle ear. Germs can come in through the mouth and easily travel down the tube and into the middle ear. These germs will cause the tube to become swollen and inflamed. This can cause pain and discomfort for the child. 

Ear infections are more common in children less than five years old. This is because the eustachian tubes in this age group are shorter, allowing germs to get into the ear faster. Children who attend daycare are also more likely to get ear infections because there are a greater number of germs being passed around. Children being exposed to secondhand smoke are also at higher risk for these types of infections. 

Signs of Ear Infection

In general, a child with an ear infection will be fussy, will have trouble sleeping, may run a fever, and will tug or pull at their ear. Tugging or pulling at an ear is one of the most common signs. A severe ear infection may produce drainage from the ear as well. If your child is showing these symptoms, you may want to schedule a sick child visit in Weston, MA. 

How Are Ear Infections Treated?

If your child is running a fever, you can give them over-the-counter fever reducers. These medications will reduce fever as well as help with the pain. Most doctors prefer to wait 24-48 hours to see if an ear infection will resolve on its own before recommending other medications. 

Antibiotics will be prescribed if your child is running a high fever, is in severe pain or the ear is producing new fluid. If you are concerned about your child’s condition, you should call for a sick child visit. 

If you would like to learn more about our services, or you need to schedule an appointment, please contact the team at Pediatric Associates of Wellesley in Weston and Medfield, MA. Call (781) 736-0040 for the Weston, MA, office, or (508) 359-9200 for the Medfield, MA, office.