Ear Infection

What causes a middle ear infection?

Children can develop infections in their outer, middle, and inner ear. But when doctors refer to an ear infection, they usually mean the most common type, a middle ear infection (otitis media).

This type of infection occurs when the eustachian tube becomes swollen, typically due to a cold, throat infection, or allergies. The tube connects the throat to the middle ear, where it normally lets fluids drain out of the ear.

When the tube is swollen, the fluids build up in the middle ear. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria or viruses to grow and cause an infection.

What symptoms occur if my child has an ear infection?

AOM is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria or both.

Commonly identified bacteria include:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Streptococcus pyogenes 

Streptococcus pneumoniae is thought to be the most common bacterial cause followed by Haemophilus influenzae.

Commonly identified viruses include:

• Respiratory syncytial virus 
• Rhinovirus
• Adenovirus
• Influenza virus
• Parainfluenza virus

Middle ear infections cause pain. As fluids accumulate in the middle ear, they push against the eardrum, which leads to severe pain.

Children often show their pain by tugging at their ear, waking frequently during the night, and crying or fussing more than normal. Your child may not want to eat, and infants may have a hard time sucking.

In addition to the pain, ear infections cause symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nose congestion
• Nose drainage
• Coughing

You may also see fluid draining from your child’s ear. 

How are ear infections diagnosed?

Dr. Glenn and the team at Cali Kids Urgent Care use the Wispr® Digital Otoscope to examine your child’s ear. This advanced device is specially designed to fit into children’s small ears. 

The digital device provides exceptional images of your child’s ear. Additionally, Dr. Glenn can share the real-time images and videos with you, so you can see the problem in your child’s ear.

How are ear infections treated?

Dr. Glenn determines your child’s treatment based on factors such as:

• The type and severity of their infection
• How often they have ear infections
• How long they’ve had a current infection
• Whether the infection interferes with hearing

Most ear infections heal on their own. For this reason, Dr. Glenn may recommend medication to ease the pain while giving the infection a few days to clear up.

If your child has a bacterial infection that doesn’t improve, Dr. Glenn may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Children with recurrent ear infections often need temporary ear tubes put in the eardrum to drain the fluid.

To get help for your child’s ear infection, go to Cali Kids Urgent Care or schedule an appointment by calling or using the online booking feature today.