While anyone can get ear infections, parents know that children are plagued by them. They may come with other symptoms or on their own, but either way, they can make your child extremely uncomfortable. This can make you miserable as well. Ear infections can lead to more serious conditions, so it is important to have them looked at by a professional.
What Are Ear Infections?
Ear infections are conditions where the ear has become inflamed due to a virus or bacteria trapped inside. They typically present with a red or bulging eardrum and ear pain, which can become quite intense. In an otitis media infection, the middle ear suffers from inflammation, with fluid or pus trapped behind it.
How Are They Caused?
Anytime bacteria or a virus gets into the membranes of the body, an infection can result, and the ears are no exception. Ear infections can come from putting foreign objects in the ear, scratching the ear, getting pool water in the ear (“Swimmer’s Ear”), and other sources.
How Do We Treat an Ear Infection?
We will examine you or your child to try to determine the cause of the ear pain and redness. If we feel bacteria are likely responsible, we can prescribe antibiotics, both orally and as ear drops. When the ear infection is viral, we can suggest medications to manage the pain and swelling while you wait for symptoms to subside. If your child experiences frequent ear infections or fluid blockage, we can do a myringotomy. In this procedure, we make a small hole in the eardrum and put in a tube so the fluid or pus can drain out.
BeWell Immediate Care for Ear Infections Near Whittier, CA
If you or your child is suffering from severe ear pain or prolonged redness, tenderness, and stiffness around the ear, you should come in as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Untreated bacterial ear infections can have serious consequences. Fortunately, we can usually treat them very easily with antibiotics. A standard visit is only $50, or $40 for virtual consults, and a health care provider can usually see you in around 15 minutes. Schedule a consultation or just come into our clinic at 12533 Washington Blvd, Suite B in Whittier, CA.