Ear Infections in Children
More than 90% of all children will have at least one infection by two years of age. Here's Dr. Firstname M. Lastname, an Otolaryngologist with Medical Center Hospital, to tell us more about this common condition.
What causes an ear infection?
Ear infections of the middle ear, also known as otitis media, can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Risk factors include day care (usually with more than ten children) and smoking in the home. Allergies may contribute but are not usually the direct cause of infections.
When should I see an ear, nose and throat specialist?
The following are guidelines, which have been jointly adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat physicians):
1. If your child has three or more infections prior to age six months.
2. If your child has four infections in six months – or
3. If your child has six or more infections in a year.
4. If your child has fluid that lasts more than three months with associated hearing loss.
5. If your child has signs of significant hearing loss.
What will an ear, nose and throat specialist do?
A specialist will help determine whether a surgical procedure may be helpful. Tympanostomy tubes may be suggested if your child fails to improve with antibiotics or has fluid which will not clear. Tubes are especially helpful in reversing hearing loss due to fluid trapped behind the eardrum. An ENT specialist may also perform a myringotomy (draining fluid from the middle ear through the ear drum). This can be used to determine the specific type of bacteria causing an infection.