{"id":147,"date":"2022-01-06T21:42:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sacent.fm1.dev\/ent\/pediatric-ear-infections\/"},"modified":"2023-08-31T14:06:08","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T21:06:08","slug":"pediatric-ear-infections","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/ent\/pediatric-ear-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"We Can Support Your Child During an 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\": \"Does My Child Have an Ear Infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"If they haven\u2019t learned to talk yet, your child won\u2019t be able to tell you that their ear hurts. Keep an eye out for these behaviors: Pulling at an ear, Not responding to sounds, Crying more than usual, Loss of appetite, Loss of balance, Trouble sleeping.\"\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. Additionally, because it\u2019s still developing, a child\u2019s immune system sometimes has a harder time fighting infections.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Doctors Diagnose Ear Infections in Children\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Your doctor will take a health history and ask about the severity, length and impact of your child\u2019s symptoms. Are they pulling at their ear or not responding to sounds? Have they had trouble sleeping?\nNext, our provider will examine your child's ear using an instrument called an otoscope to visualize the eardrum. A swollen red eardrum is indicative of an infection. Additional diagnostic tests include examining the ear with a pneumatic otoscope, which checks for fluid behind the eardrum, and tympanometry, which measures the eardrum\u2019s flexibility.\"\n }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Many children and their parents are all too familiar with earaches. One of the most common causes of this is an ear infection, which occurs when fluids build up behind the eardrum and cause inflammation in the middle ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otolaryngologists at Sacramento Ear, Nose &#038; Throat are here to help when it comes to diagnosing and providing the highest quality treatments for ear infections. We can help provide your child with relief from constant ear pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does My Child Have an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If they haven\u2019t learned to talk yet, your child won\u2019t be able to tell you that their ear hurts. Keep an eye out for these behaviors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pulling at an ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not responding to sounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crying more than usual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trouble sleeping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/pediatric-ear-infection.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor using a medical device to inspect the inner ear of a child patient\" class=\"wp-image-1645\" title=\"pediatric-ear-infection-diagnosis\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/pediatric-ear-infection.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/pediatric-ear-infection-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do Children Get Ear Infections So Frequently?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, <a href=\"https:\/\/sacent.com\/ent\/ear-tubes\/\">fluid is trapped in the middle ear<\/a>. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing pain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, because it\u2019s still developing, a child\u2019s immune system sometimes has a harder time fighting infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Doctors Diagnose Ear Infections in Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will take a health history and ask about the severity, length and impact of your child\u2019s symptoms. Are they pulling at their ear or not responding to sounds? Have they had trouble sleeping?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, our provider will examine your child&#8217;s ear using an instrument called an otoscope to visualize the eardrum. A swollen red eardrum is indicative of an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional diagnostic tests include examining the ear with a pneumatic otoscope, which checks for fluid behind the eardrum, and tympanometry, which measures the eardrum\u2019s flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Pediatric Ear Infections Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our ENT may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe antibiotics. In cases where an ear infection can\u2019t be definitively diagnosed, your doctor may wait before prescribing antibiotics. <a href=\"http:\/\/pediatrics.aappublications.org\/content\/early\/2013\/02\/20\/peds.2012-3488\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidelines in 2013<\/a> encouraging doctors to wait before recommending antibiotics in cases where ear infections can\u2019t be definitively diagnosed since some ear pain isn\u2019t caused by infection. If symptoms do not improve within several days, the guidelines recommend starting antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What If My Child Has Reoccurring Ear Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child experiences frequent ear infections that antibiotics don\u2019t seem to help with, our ENT might recommend surgery to insert small tubes into the eardrums. This will prevent fluid backup in the middle ear, which will reduce the risk of infection. Typically, ear tubes stay in place for six to nine months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If our provider determines this is the best course of treatment for your child, they\u2019ll explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure and answer any questions your family has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We\u2019re Here To Help <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a parent, it\u2019s difficult to see your child suffer from ear infections, but we\u2019re here to support your family during this time. We\u2019ll determine if their discomfort is the result of an infection and provide the best treatment for it, guiding your child on the path to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"content-cta\">\r\n\t<div class=\"content-cta-text\">\r\n\t\tCall Sacramento Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy &#038; Facial Plastics at for more information or to schedule an appointment.\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t<details class=\"header-phone content-cta-header-phone\">\r\n\t\t<summary>Call Us Today!<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"11.5\" stroke=\"#541211\"\/>\n<path d=\"M7 10L12 15L17 10\" stroke=\"#541211\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/summary>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"phone-tree\">\r\n\t\t\t\r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19167363399\" class=\"phone \"><span>Sacramento, CA<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-3399<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Sacramento office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-3399<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19167366644\" class=\"phone \"><span>Roseville (Eureka Rd)<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Roseville office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19169848830\" class=\"phone \"><span>Folsom (Creekside)<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 984-8830<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Folsom office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 984-8830<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+12093338510\" class=\"phone \"><span>Lodi<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(209) 333-8510<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Lodi office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(209) 333-8510<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+12099520483\" class=\"phone \"><span>Stockton<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(209) 952-0483<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Stockton office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(209) 952-0483<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19169662700\" class=\"phone \"><span>Fair Oaks<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 966-2700<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Fair Oaks office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 966-2700<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19167821291\" class=\"phone \"><span>Roseville (Medical Plaza Dr)<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 782-1291<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Roseville office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 782-1291<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19167366644\" class=\"phone \"><span>Folsom (Hana Way)<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Folsom office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n                <a href=\"tel:+19167366644\" class=\"phone \"><span>Sacramento, CA<\/span><span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><span class=screen-reader-text>Call our Sacramento office at <span class=\"phone-number\">(916) 736-6644<\/span><\/span><\/a>\r\n            \r\n        <\/div>\r\n\t<\/details>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many children and their parents are all too familiar with earaches. One of the most common causes of this is an ear infection, which occurs when fluids build up behind the eardrum and cause inflammation in the middle ear. Otolaryngologists at are here to help when it comes to diagnosing and providing the highest quality&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":83,"menu_order":32,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=&quot;&lt;phone&gt;&quot;] | If an ear infection doesn&#039;t clear on its own, our specialists can treat it. Schedule today for a happy, healthier tomorrow.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/147"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/147\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/83"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sacent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}