{"id":1113,"date":"2021-10-28T13:18:51","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T18:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsavl.fm1.dev\/?p=1113"},"modified":"2021-10-28T13:18:52","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T18:18:52","slug":"ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Ear Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Ear Infections?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An ear infection occurs in the middle ear when fluid becomes trapped following a viral or bacterial infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or upper respiratory infection. These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat and provides an outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and leading to infection.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Why do children get ear infections so frequently?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing pain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"When should I see a doctor about an ear infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a chronic condition.  Schedule an appointment with our clinic if: You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear, symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day, you are in extreme pain, your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age, your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Can an ear infection cause complications?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.\"\n}\n  }, {\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What causes mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is mastoiditis treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Ear Infections Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen. When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the ear drum and provide ventilation and fluids, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.\"\n    }}]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Ear Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1178376578-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-662\" width=\"824\" height=\"549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1178376578-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1178376578-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1178376578-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/iStock-1178376578-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Middle ear infection (otitis media) often occurs after a cold or with an infection of the upper airway. The Eustachian tube aerates the middle ear to prevent fluid from collecting. The Eustachian tube is a channel from the back of the throat to the ear allowing air to fill the middle ear space. When fluid occurs, it is initially sterile, but with time, it can become infected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>What is Swimmer&#8217;s Ear?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Otitis Externa (swimmer&#8217;s ear) is an infection of the external ear canal. If there is too much wax in the ear canal, water, moisture, and debris may become trapped, increasing the risk for infection. Water from a pond, lake, ocean, and even a hot tub that houses increased bacteria can result in otitis externa. Believe it or not, Q-tips can cause external otitis due to trauma to the skin of the canal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why Do Children Get Ear Infections so Frequently?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing pain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of otitis media include: ear pain, fever, decrease in hearing, and possibly drainage from the ear. Treatment may include a course of antibiotics. Long-term fluid may necessitate the need to insert tympanostomy tubes, a small tube placed through the eardrum, that serves a similar function as the Eustachian tube. This is a procedure performed by an ear physician based on the results of a hearing test battery and the medical history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Should You See a Doctor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/29125825\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/29125825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chronic condition<\/a>.&nbsp;Schedule an appointment with our clinic if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear.<\/li><li>Symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day.<\/li><li>You are in extreme pain.<\/li><li>Your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age.<\/li><li>Your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Can an Ear Infection Cause Complications?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>An Untreated Infection Can Lead to Mastoiditis.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>What Are the Symptoms of Mastoiditis?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>How Is Mastoiditis Treated?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How Are Ear Infections Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>OTC or Prescription Medication Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Up to 80% of ear infections may go away without antibiotics. <\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2013\/02\/25\/172588359\/pediatricians-urged-to-treat-ear-infections-more-cautiously\" title=\"Pediatricians Urged To Treat Ear Infections More Cautiously | NPR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"NPR (opens in a new tab)\">NPR<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Surgery for Chronic Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the&nbsp;tympanic membrane,&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;known as the ear drum,&nbsp;and provide ventilation, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.&nbsp; <br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"site-content-cta\">\n\t<svg class=\"site-cta\" width=\"32\" height=\"28\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 28\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.5928 6.28577L20.4068 6.28577L25.1426 14.1529L20.4068 22.02H11.5928L6.85693 14.1529L11.5928 6.28577Z\" fill=\"#0A807C\"\/>\n<path d=\"M5.96069 3.92207C6.19818 4.06298 6.50493 3.98469 6.64583 3.7472L8.57249 0.5L12.1439 0.5C12.42 0.5 12.6439 0.276142 12.6439 0L19.3561 0C19.3561 0.276142 19.58 0.5 19.8561 0.5L23.4275 0.5L25.3542 3.7472C25.4951 3.98469 25.8018 4.06298 26.0393 3.92207L29.6729 10.0462C29.4354 10.1871 29.3571 10.4938 29.498 10.7313L31.4186 13.9683L29.498 17.2052C29.3571 17.4427 29.4354 17.7494 29.6729 17.8903L26.0393 24.0144C25.8018 23.8735 25.4951 23.9518 25.3542 24.1893L23.4275 27.4365H19.8561C19.58 27.4365 19.3561 27.6604 19.3561 27.9365H12.6439C12.6439 27.6604 12.42 27.4365 12.1439 27.4365H8.57249L6.64583 24.1893C6.50493 23.9518 6.19818 23.8735 5.96069 24.0144L2.32708 17.8903C2.56456 17.7494 2.64286 17.4427 2.50195 17.2052L0.581386 13.9683L2.50195 10.7313C2.64286 10.4938 2.56456 10.1871 2.32708 10.0462L5.96069 3.92207Z\" stroke=\"#10CFC9\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-dasharray=\"12 12\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<p>\tCall North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab at <a href=\"tel:+18474325555\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(847) 432-5555<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Causes Ear Infections? Middle ear infection (otitis media) often occurs after a cold or with an infection of the upper airway. The Eustachian tube aerates the middle ear to prevent fluid from collecting. The Eustachian tube is a channel from the back of the throat to the ear allowing air to fill the middle&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":662,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1113"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1113\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}