Children get diagnosed with recurring or chronic ear infections when they experience four or more infections in a year. Fluid behind the eardrum builds up due to clogged eustachian tubes, or tubes that drain fluid from the middle ear. These are smaller and more horizontal in children, which increases the risk of clogs. Symptoms typically include pain and pressure in the ear, low fever, sleeping problems, and draining fluid or puss. Here, the ear, nose, and throat specialists at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy, & Sleep Medicine, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, explain what to do when your child experiences recurring ear infections.

Recurring Ear Infections In Your Child: What You Need To Know

Home Pain Remedies

Relieve the pain symptoms of your child’s ear infections with hot or cold compresses against the affected ear and provide recommended over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications. Numbing drops may also be used. These remedies temporarily reduce infection pain, so your child feels better and sleeps through the night. Sleep is when the body repairs itself, which helps avoid prolonged infections.

Oral & Ear Drop Antibiotics

Talk to your pediatrician or ear, nose, and throat specialist about antibiotic treatment if the infection does not go away on its own or keeps coming back. Amoxicillin is the standard oral antibiotic for ear infections; however, antibiotic drops may also be necessary. These drops feature hydrocortisone to promote healthy ear canal healing.

Ear Tubes & Surgery

Should your child continue to experience ear infections, more vigorous treatment may be necessary. Ventilation tubes placed in the ears for six months or longer provide the fluid drainage and improved airflow your child needs for lasting relief. These tubes generally fall out on their own, however, you will need to make follow-up appointments while they are in place to check the healing process. Other options include the removal of infected tissue by a surgeon. Surgery may also be necessary if your child sustains damage from chronic infections.

Preventative Tips

Control your child’s allergies, if applicable, with a healthy diet and the right supplements and medications, as allergic reactions can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. Do not smoke tobacco around your child since secondhand smoke increases children’s susceptibility to infections. Ear, nose, and throat specialists also recommend keeping your child away from sick children and adults, and encouraging thorough hand washing practices to avoid the spreading of germs.

Don’t hesitate to see a specialist if your child’s ear infections continue or worsen. The ear, nose, and throat specialists at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy & Sleep Medicine provide Mohave County residents with the comprehensive treatments they need, including those with sinus problems and sleep disorders. Call (928) 854-5368 to make an appointment or visit the website for additional service information. Like the ear, nose, and throat specialists on Facebook for more helpful tips and resources.