Ear infections are common childhood illnesses — with many children having at least one ear infection by the time they’re three years old. At American Pediatrics, with offices in Corona, Eastvale, and Irvine, California, the caring team can treat your child’s ear infection and relieve symptoms to restore their quality of life. To receive timely and professional care, call the nearest office or book an in-person appointment online today. After hours care and telehealth consultations are also available.
An ear infection occurs in your child’s middle ear — when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Ear infections are common in children, but people can get one at any age.
Ear infections develop when something blocks your child’s eustachian tubes — the opening that connects their middle ear with the nasal-sinus cavity — and fluid can’t drain properly.
Some of the most common causes of eustachian tube blockage include:
In children, the eustachian tubes are more narrow than adults, making them more susceptible to ear infections.
Young children may not always be able to explain their symptoms, so it’s important to look for other signs that your child may have an ear infection, including:
Your child may also develop a fever as their body works hard to fight off the infection.
If your child is less than six months in age, you should make an appointment at American Pediatrics. Additionally, it’s important to schedule an ear infection evaluation if your child has ear pain lasting for longer than a day.
The team provides comprehensive physical exams to diagnose ear infections. They look into your child’s ear, checking for air bubbles, pus-like fluid, and redness. While evaluating their ear, they might take a sample of fluid from inside the ear to rule out the cause of the infection and help develop a treatment plan.
At American Pediatrics, the team provides personalized care recommendations for your child’s ear infection. They might prescribe ear drops to help fight off the infection and relieve inflammation, or recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or decongestants.
If your child has frequent ear infections, they might need a procedure that involves placing tubes inside their ears to help drain the fluid. Surgery may be an option to remove enlarged adenoids that cause your child chronic ear infections. The team can recommend you to a specialist for more complex care and coordinate your child’s recovery plan.
If your child has ear infection symptoms, call American Pediatrics or book an appointment online today.