{"id":213,"date":"2021-04-15T15:02:32","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T22:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.fm1.dev\/ear-nose-throat-care\/ear-infection\/"},"modified":"2021-04-30T14:22:32","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T21:22:32","slug":"ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/ent\/ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Ear Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Ear Infections?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An ear infection occurs in the middle ear when fluid becomes trapped following a viral or bacterial infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or upper respiratory infection. These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat and provides an outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and leading to infection.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Why do children get ear infections so frequently?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing pain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"When should I see a doctor about an ear infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a chronic condition.  Schedule an appointment with our clinic if: You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear, symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day, you are in extreme pain, your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age, your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Can an ear infection cause complications?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.\"\n}\n  }, {\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What causes mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is mastoiditis treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Ear Infections Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen. When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the ear drum and provide ventilation and fluids, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.\"\n    }}]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Ear Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-174625436-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-174625436-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-174625436-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-174625436-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-174625436.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>An ear infection may occur in the middle ear when the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation. This blockage prevents fluid in the middle ear from draining, which can cause a middle ear infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or upper respiratory infection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to upper part of the throat and provides an outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and leading to infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why Do Children Get Ear Infections so Frequently?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, fluid is trapped in the middle ear. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing pain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Should You See a Doctor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a chronic condition.&nbsp;Schedule an appointment with our clinic if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear.<\/li><li>Symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day.<\/li><li>You are in extreme pain.<\/li><li>Your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age.<\/li><li>Your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Can an Ear Infection Cause Complications?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>An Untreated Infection Can Lead to Mastoiditis.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>What Are the Symptoms of Mastoiditis?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>How Is Mastoiditis Treated?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How Are Ear Infections Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>OTC or Prescription Medication Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Up to 80% of ear infections may go away without antibiotics. <\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2013\/02\/25\/172588359\/pediatricians-urged-to-treat-ear-infections-more-cautiously\" title=\"Pediatricians Urged To Treat Ear Infections More Cautiously | NPR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"NPR (opens in a new tab)\">NPR<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Surgery for Chronic Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the&nbsp;tympanic membrane,&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;known as the ear drum,&nbsp;and provide ventilation, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.&nbsp; <br><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"site-cta\">Call <span class=\"company-name \">Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+17027357668\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(702) 735-7668<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <\/p>\n<div class=\"nvd-cutout-icon-wrapper\"><span class=\"cut-out\"><svg class=\"logo-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewbox=\"0 0 121 121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n  <path d=\"M60.0224 5.0457e-05C37.1446 -0.0295484 16.2448 12.9653 6.15073 33.4959C-3.94338 54.0265 -1.47144 78.5124 12.5224 96.6112L34.1336 96.6112C44.3342 96.4594 52.5236 88.1463 52.5224 77.9445L52.5224 71.6667C49.1495 74.5534 44.8509 76.1309 40.4113 76.1112C32.8184 76.0795 25.9871 71.4913 23.0857 64.4745C20.1843 57.4577 21.7803 49.3849 27.1335 44L28.1336 43.0556C27.4181 42.5614 26.7487 42.0036 26.1336 41.3889C21.4572 36.2934 21.543 28.4418 26.3295 23.4497C31.1161 18.4576 38.9572 18.042 44.2447 22.5C45.371 20.0063 46.9537 17.7452 48.9113 15.8334C53.2872 11.457 59.2225 8.99837 65.4113 8.99837C71.6001 8.99837 77.5354 11.457 81.9113 15.8334C88.5853 22.5067 90.582 32.5434 86.9701 41.2629C83.3583 49.9824 74.8493 55.6674 65.4113 55.6667C63.3457 55.6701 61.2895 55.3897 59.3002 54.8334L59.3002 77.9445C59.8425 87.9037 68.0762 95.7013 78.0502 95.7013C88.0242 95.7013 96.2579 87.9037 96.8002 77.9445C97.1195 73.0262 94.6768 68.3386 90.4628 65.7826C86.2487 63.2267 80.9628 63.2267 76.7488 65.7826C72.5347 68.3386 70.092 73.0262 70.4113 77.9445C70.4113 82.1787 73.8438 85.6112 78.078 85.6112C82.3122 85.6112 85.7447 82.1787 85.7447 77.9445C85.7154 76.7602 84.7623 75.8071 83.578 75.7778C82.4031 75.808 81.4665 76.7692 81.4669 77.9445C81.4669 79.8161 79.9496 81.3334 78.078 81.3334C77.1696 81.3483 76.2933 80.9978 75.6457 80.3607C74.9981 79.7235 74.6334 78.853 74.6336 77.9445C74.6336 73.0046 78.6381 69 83.578 69C88.5179 69 92.5224 73.0046 92.5224 77.9445C92.0485 85.5896 85.71 91.5474 78.0502 91.5474C70.3904 91.5474 64.0519 85.5896 63.578 77.9445C63.1878 70.5376 66.9174 63.52 73.2748 59.6993C79.6322 55.8786 87.5793 55.8786 93.9367 59.6993C100.294 63.52 104.024 70.5376 103.634 77.9445C103.625 89.4792 95.8898 99.5781 84.7558 102.592C73.6219 105.606 61.849 100.788 56.0224 90.8334L55.9113 90.6667C55.9113 90.7223 55.8558 90.7778 55.8002 90.8334C51.3707 98.3853 43.3835 103.144 34.6335 103.444L18.6891 103.444C38.2261 122.055 67.7826 125.334 90.9243 111.46C114.066 97.5862 125.1 69.9712 117.891 43.97C110.683 17.9687 87.0045 -0.0224246 60.0224 5.0457e-05\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M3.45297 20.5C5.69579 22.7351 8.73107 23.9931 11.8974 24C16.7358 23.9896 21.0945 21.0745 22.952 16.6069C24.8095 12.1392 23.8022 6.99317 20.3974 3.55556L20.3974 3.55556C18.1536 1.2813 15.0922 0.000728379 11.8974 0C7.07087 0.0634513 2.74747 2.99972 0.909001 7.46284C-0.929469 11.926 0.0714571 17.0555 3.45297 20.5\" transform=\"translate(28.513916 45.277832)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M10.7222 10.7222C11.8887 9.53596 12.5464 7.94146 12.5556 6.27778C12.5524 4.61291 11.8937 3.01626 10.7222 1.83333C9.53596 0.666853 7.94146 0.00912196 6.27778 0C2.81066 0 0 2.81066 0 6.27778C0 9.7449 2.81066 12.5556 6.27778 12.5556C7.94146 12.5464 9.53596 11.8887 10.7222 10.7222\" transform=\"translate(29.133545 25.888916)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n  <path d=\"M4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481C10.4138 33.8435 19.171 34.7148 25.7445 30.3285C32.3181 25.9423 34.8751 17.5216 31.8505 10.2207C28.8259 2.91987 21.0629 -1.2254 13.3134 0.322223C5.5638 1.86984 -0.0115332 8.67882 1.79156e-05 16.5814C0.00641242 20.9561 1.74408 25.1505 4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481\" transform=\"translate(48.855713 15.751953)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Causes Ear Infections? An ear infection may occur in the middle ear when the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation. This blockage prevents fluid in the middle ear from draining, which can cause a middle ear infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":212,"menu_order":19,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/213\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}