Ear infection
Can I reduce the number of ear infections my child gets?
Yes -If they get a lot ask the doctor what you can do to prevent repeat infections -Doctor might suggest that your child get routine vaccines that they might be missing -Might also talk you about the risk and benefits of giving your child antibiotics and getting the surgery done to place a small tube in the eardrum
Is there anything I can do on my own to help my child feel better?
Yes -give them medicine to reduce the pain -acetaminophen(Tylenol) -ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin)
when do they occur in children?
after a cold because fluid can build up in the middle part of the ear behind the ear drum and become infected and press on the eardrum
what are some symptoms in older children?
ear pain temporary hearing loss
what are some symptoms of an ear infection?
fever pulling on the ear being more fussy or less active than usual having no appetite and not eating as much vomiting or diarrhea
Where does fluid in the middle ear usually drain into?
the throat through a tube called "Eustachian tube" but during an infection swelling blocks off the tube causing build up
why should you see the doctor or nurse 2 months after an ear infection?
-If your child is younger than 2 -has language or learning problem -An examination will be done to make sure the fluid is gone -follow-up testing to make sure his/her hearing is okay
When do doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat an ear infection?
-Infants younger than 2yr old BUT older than that doctors sometimes hold off on it
Surgery to treat fluid in the ear
-Might be done when the fluid in the middle ear does not go away -also done to prevent more ear infections in children who get them a lot
what should happen if the ear infection is causing hearing loss and not gone after a few months?
-The doctor might suggest treatment to help drain the fluid -Involving a surgery where a small tube is places in the eardrum
what would a doctor suggest about antibiotics?
-Watch your child for 1-2 days for symptoms before starting antibiotics -In general if your child is healthy, pain&fever not severe then they do not need to start antibiotics
how do I know if my child has an ear infection?
-if you think so go see a doctor or nurse who should be able to confirm it or not -they will ask about symptoms, do an exam, and look in your child's ear
Why do doctors NOT prescribe antibiotics right away usually ?
-many ear infections are caused by viruses and not bacteria -Antibiotics do not kill virus
what happens when the fluid stays for weeks or months in the ear?
Hearing loss in the may be mild or temporary
What if the hearing lost last for a very long time?
Can sometimes lead to problems with language and speech, especially in children who are at risk for problems with langyage or learning
what medications do doctors NOT like treating ear infections with?
Cold and cough medications -have a dangerous side effect in young children
what criteria determines of your child should get antibiotics for an ear infection?
(1)Childs age (2)Health problems (3)How many ear infections he/she had in the past
When should I follow up with the doctor or nurse?
-After 1-2 days if you are following your child's symptoms and the pain and fever have not gotten better, then they will prescribe antibiotics -After 2 days if child is taking antibiotics and his.her symptoms have not improved but gotten worse
How are ear infections treated?
-Doctors can use antibiotics that kill the bacteria that cause some ear infections -many children get over ear infections without antibiotics
What is an ear infection?
A condition that can cause pain in the ear, fever, and trouble hearing. common in children
what medication should you never give a child younger than 18 years old?
Aspirin because it can cause a dangerous condition called Reye syndrome
