How your pediatrician in Grandville, MI, can help when your child has an ear infection

Ear infections are very common in children, because the structures inside a child’s ear aren’t full developed like those of an adult. A child’s ears get plugged and don’t drain as well, making it easy for your child to develop an ear infection. Fortunately, your pediatrician can help.

Dr. Jeffrey Mantia at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI, provides comprehensive medical services for children, including diagnosis and treatment of ear infections, to help your child feel better.

Ear infections can happen after your child has had a cold, flu, or another illness. Bacteria can travel to the inner ear, causing inflammation, infection, and pain.

So, how do you know if your child has an ear infection? Your child might:

• Be fussy and cry frequently
• Tug or pull at their ear
• Drain fluid out of the ears
• Experience trouble hearing sounds and responding
• Have a fever and difficulty sleeping
• Experience balance problems

If your child is experiencing any of the signs or symptoms listed above, chances are your child has an ear infection, and it’s time to visit the pediatrician.

Your pediatrician may recommend an antibiotic regimen to be taken for 7 to 10 days to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In addition, prescription strength ear drops may be recommended. Your child can also take over-the-counter pain medications like children’s Tylenol to help relieve painful symptoms.

If your child has recurrent ear infections, your pediatrician may recommend placing small tubes in your child’s eardrums to increase air flow and help the ear drain fluid to prevent infection.

You can do a lot to help prevent ear infections by encouraging your child to:

• Wash their hands often
• Receive the influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

You should also keep your child away from smoke and other irritants. Try to limit your child’s exposure to playmates who are ill.

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ear infections in children, call Dr. Jeffrey Mantia at Grandville Pediatrics in Grandville, MI. You can reach him in the office by calling (616) 538-2410, so call today.