Ear Infection Prevention and Treatment
Ear infections are a common ailment among children, but did you know they can affect people of any age? When bacteria or viruses settle into the ear, they can cause inflammation, discomfort, hearing issues and other complications. Luckily, your ENT can provide expert care for both preventing and treating ear infections, so you’ll be hearing and feeling your best for the new year.
Ear infections typically occur in the middle ear (the space directly behind the eardrum) when fluid builds up and becomes infected. Common symptoms include ear pain, difficulty hearing, a fever and in young children who can’t express their pain verbally, irritability or tugging at the ear. Chronic or recurrent infections may require specialized care from an ENT.
While ear infections aren’t always avoidable, taking these steps can significantly reduce your risk:
- Wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs, especially in households with young children.
- Staying up-to-date on vaccines like the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine can help reduce the illnesses that lead to ear infections.
- Take steps to treat allergies, which can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to fluid buildup in the ears.
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke which can irritate ear passages, increasing the risk of infection.
If you suspect you already have an ear infection, timely treatment is key. ENT physicians offer a range of treatment options.
- Many ear infections will clear up by themselves over time, but over-the-counter medicines can offer pain relief in the meantime.
- If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed.
- For those with chronic or recurrent infections, a minor surgical procedure to insert tubes into the eardrum can prevent fluid buildup and reduce infections.
- In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address structural issues contributing to repeated infections.
Take proactive steps to protect your ear health. By working with an ENT doctor, you can prevent infections and ensure quick, effective treatment when they do occur.