About
Ear Infections
The ear
is made of three parts: the outer, the middle, and the
inner ear. Infections can affect any of the three parts.
Most common are outer and middle ear infections. Outer
ear infections are also called "swimmers ear" or
otitis externa. Middle ear infections are called otitis
media. (for more information on swimmers ear , please click
onto that topics webpage)
Otitis
media can occur at any age but is most common in young
children. This is due to the anatomy of a child's ear which
makes them more prone to ear infections. Other contributing
factors include allergies, second-hand smoke, and being
in day care. Otitis media causes symptoms such as fever,
irritability, ear pain, dizziness, hearing loss, and drainage
from the ear. Treatment of otitis media can involve |
|
antibiotics,
allergy medications, as well as surgery. Surgery usually
involves putting in ear tubes to ventilate the ear and drain
the infection. However, with long-standing infections, more
extensive surgery may be needed to clear the infection and
to repair damage from the infection (such as a hole in the
eardrum). Children whose infections are not adequately treated
are at risk of hearing loss and speech delay, to name but
two potential problems.
If you or your child suffers from ear infections, please call our office to schedule
a consultation with one of our physicians
|
