Ear infections are common for infants and young children, especially during the summertime when they’re swimming and playing in water more often. Bright Futures Pediatrics in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers diagnosis and treatment of ear infections for children of all ages. To schedule an appointment at their Southwest or Centennial Hills office, call the friendly staff or book online today.
An ear infection occurs when bacteria or a virus contaminates the ear canal, causing pain and inflammation inside the ear. An ear infection may affect the part of the ear canal before the eardrum or after the eardrum.
External ear infections develop when your child gets contaminated water in their ear outside the eardrum. You can prevent external ear infections, also called swimmer’s ear, by keeping your child’s ears dry when bathing or swimming.
Middle ear infections, also called otitis media, affect the area behind the eardrum and often clear up without much intervention. This is the most common type of ear infection and is more common with boys than girls.
Children are susceptible to ear infections because their ear canals are short and don’t drain well. It is easy for fluid to build up behind the eardrum and become infected, especially when they’re teething or have nasal congestion.
Often the first sign of an ear infection is that your infant doesn’t rest well, especially at night, or your older child says they have ear pain.
Inflammation and swelling in the ear canal cause symptoms, such as:
Some, but not all, children have a fever with an ear infection. Typically, ear infections last two to three days and resolve on their own.
Your child’s provider at Bright Futures Pediatrics creates a personalized plan of care for your child based on:
In some cases, Bright Futures Pediatrics may recommend oral antibiotics or antibiotic drops for their ears. In other cases, treatment may focus on relieving pain using over-the-counter medications and letting the infection clear up on its own. The team may recommend a follow-up visit in a week or so to ensure the infection has resolved.
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, schedule a same-day appointment by calling the nearest office or booking an appointment online today.
