Is your child constantly suffering from ear infections? If so, then it might be time to make an appointment with your trusted pediatrician. Although ear infections are typically harmless, it’s best to get them looked at by a professional. The team at Paseo Nuevo Urgent Care can help diagnose the root cause of the irritation and provide the best ear infection treatment for your child.
To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact us online or call (915) 777-3493 today.
Causes and Symptoms
Ear infections are most commonly followed by respiratory infections like a cold or the flu. The bacteria or virus that developed from the sickness will travel to the middle ear and cause swelling, thus clogging any fluid that is trapped there. The trapped fluid is what becomes infected by the bacteria or virus, resulting in a painful ear infection.
Unfortunately, babies and children are more susceptible to developing an ear infection due to their underdeveloped immune system. If your child is experiencing trouble with their hearing, irritability, ear pain, or any drainage from their ear, they may have an ear infection. More severe symptoms can include loss of balance, fever, severe ear pain, and blood or a pus-like fluid draining from the ear. Regardless of what symptoms your young one might be experiencing, it’s best to bring them to a pediatrician right away. Ear infections are typically easy to treat; however, if ignored, they can lead to more severe problems. El Paso’s Paseo Nuevo Urgent Care has the proper tools and medicine to give your child the proper ear infection treatment.
Ear Infection Treatment
Depending on what kind of ear infection your child has will depend on what kind of treatment they are given. If the infection is bacterial, then you will be prescribed an antibiotic, although if it’s viral, then other methods may be required per your pediatrician’s recommendation. On the brighter side, if your child is not in severe pain, your pediatrician may ask you to give it a waiting period. Paseo Nuevo recommends OTC (over-the-counter) ear drops, an OTC pain reliever, a warm or cold compress, or a heating pad for irritated ears.
It is very important to talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may have an ear infection. In terms of treatment, depending on the age of your child, your provider will prescribe different methods. See below for a breakdown of age and ear infection treatment options:
Under 6 months– Babies under 6 months old will always receive an antibiotic. Complications from ear infections can be more severe in babies, and the infection could potentially spread to other parts of their bodies.
6 months to 2 years– It is recommended there be a shared-decision option between a parent and their pediatrician on how to treat a non-severe ear infection in children ages 6 months to 2 years old.
Over 2 years– Children over the age of 2 who have non-severe ear infections don’t usually require treatment as the infection will go away on its own. If the pain doesn’t go away within 2-3 days, a pediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic.
Once treatment has been provided, your pediatrician may advise you to make a follow-up appointment just to make sure the infection has run its course.
Why Choose Paseo Nuevo
Ear infections can be painful and irritating, especially in young children. They might not be life-threatening, but they can become worse if left untreated. This is why it’s important to speak to your pediatrician about what steps you can take to treat your little one’s ear. The Paseo Nuevo team will address your concerns promptly and offer you the best solutions for treatment.
To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (915) 777-3493 today.
