Now Offering IV Hydration, Book Online Here
About five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, middle ear infections, or otitis media, are the most common reasons parents bring their children to the doctor.
The providers at At First Response Urgent Care, with two offices in Brooklyn, New York, can vouch for that. Here’s what they want parents to know about chronic ear infections.
Ear infections are more common in children with shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes than in adults. These tubes drain fluid from the ear to the throat. When they become blocked by swelling or mucus from a cold, fluid builds up, and bacteria can grow.
Various factors can cause frequent childhood ear infections. These include:
Recurrent ear infections are often defined as three episodes in six months or four in one year.
Our experts recommend starting with the least invasive preventative measures first. Keeping your child up to date on vaccinations, specifically the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, can significantly lower infection rates.
We also suggest practicing thorough handwashing to help prevent colds, which often trigger ear issues. If your child uses a pacifier, limiting its use after six months of age may reduce the risk of middle ear infections.
When antibiotic treatments and preventative measures are not enough, our specialists may suggest ear tubes. These are tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that a surgeon places through the eardrum. They create an airway that ventilates the middle ear and prevents fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
This procedure is widespread. Nearly 670,000 children under 15 receive ear tubes each year in the United States.
The tubes typically stay in place for six to 18 months. In most cases, they fall out on their own as the child grows and the eardrum heals behind them. While the tubes are in, they help restore hearing by clearing fluid and significantly reduce the pain associated with pressure changes.
If your child is complaining of ear pain or they aren't responding to sounds as usual, please reach out. Call one of our Brooklyn, New York offices today or use the online tool to book an in-person or virtual appointment.
