Ear infections are a common childhood ailment, responsible for about 30 million pediatrician visits every year in the United States. Early treatment is important for helping your child feel better and for preventing more serious complications, such as widespread infection or hearing loss.
At Nevada Pediatric Specialists in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, our providers deliver targeted treatment aimed at eradicating ear infections and protecting your child’s hearing. In this post, learn how to identify common and subtle symptoms of ear infections so you can schedule a sick visit right away.
Earaches are a common sign of ear infections, typically worsening as the infection progresses. Some of the pain is due to a buildup of pressure inside the ear that happens when fluid accumulates. In addition to causing an earache, fluids can also make your child’s ears feel “full” or “stuffy.”
Fluid buildup and related swelling can interfere with normal hearing. If your child reports troubles hearing, says their hearing is muffled, or complains of symptoms like buzzing or ringing in their ear, these can be signs of an ear infection.
Thanks to the pain they cause, ear infections can make it a lot harder to sleep. Some kids may notice that symptoms of stuffiness or clogging increase when they lie down.
The ears and throat are connected via the eustachian tube, a canal that helps your ears drain properly. If your child’s ear is infected, that infection can sometimes spread to their throat, causing pain and coughing. You might notice swelling in the lymph glands beneath the ear, too.
As with other infections, ear infections can cause a fever. While it may be mild initially, fever can worsen as the infection progresses. If a fever is accompanied by other signs, like ear pain or changes in hearing, that’s a good indication that your child has an ear infection.
Ears are responsible for hearing, and they play a vital role in balance, too. Ear infections may interfere with balance, causing dizziness and a feeling of being unsteady. Because persistent dizziness can have a variety of causes, you should always have it evaluated by our team.
Sometimes, fluid associated with ear infections drains out of the ear. Drainage might be clear, yellowish, or pinkish in appearance. Ear drainage is never normal — you should have a doctor see your child as soon as possible.
While many ear infections occur inside the ear in the middle portion, some infections affect the outer visible part of the ear. These infections are called otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. Ear redness, warmth, or tenderness to the touch are all common symptoms.
Very young kids who can’t speak yet or who can’t find the words to describe what they’re feeling may respond to ear infections by rubbing their ear or tugging at it. These habits may be accompanied by unusual fussiness, especially in infants or very young babies.
Ear infections can cause discomfort as well as serious complications, including loss of hearing. Fortunately, most ear infections clear up with proper medication, but prompt medical treatment is essential.
If you think your child might have an ear infection, book an appointment online or over the phone today with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists. You can also visit our walk-in clinic for urgent care.
