Ear Infections (Otitis media)

Otitis media is the most common reason children seek medical care from their physician. They can be acute, recurring or chronic. They are as a result of infection and inflammation in the middle ear space which is between the ear drum and the inner ear. The most common cause acute and recurrent otitis media is the common cold.

Factoid

Did you know that more than 80 percent of children will experience an ear infection by age three?

Symptoms and Signs of Otitis Media

  • Ear pain
  • Fever
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Fullness in the ear or hearing loss
  • Irritability
  • Fussiness
  • Lack of appetite

Treatments

Current research and guidelines recommend a combination of medical therapy and periods of observation for otitis media. Surgery is generally not recommended unless infection and or ear fluid persists for six months, complications develop, or there is a documented hearing loss. We take a genuine interest in the care of your child and your concerns about dealing with recurrent and chronic ear infections.

  • Medication to treat pain and fever
  • Antibiotics
  • Observation
  • Ear Tube (PE Tube) insertion

We treat children with these common ear, nose, and throat illnesses

  • Chronic infections of the ears and tonsils, Strep. throat
  • Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
  • Sore throats and hoarseness
  • Breathing difficulties including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
  • Epistaxis (nose bleeding)
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Chronic cough