{"id":1445,"date":"2022-06-24T22:25:38","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T22:25:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1445"},"modified":"2022-07-27T23:40:38","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T23:40:38","slug":"ear-infection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/ear-problems\/ear-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"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\": \"What Causes Ear Infections?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An ear infection occurs in the middle ear when fluid becomes trapped following a viral or bacterial infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or upper respiratory infection. These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to the upper part of the throat and provides an outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and leading to infection.\"\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. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"When should I see a doctor about an ear infection?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a chronic condition.  Schedule an appointment with our clinic if: You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear, symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day, you are in extreme pain, your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age, your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Can an ear infection cause complications?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.\"\n}\n  }, {\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What causes mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of mastoiditis?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is mastoiditis treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Ear Infections Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen. When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the ear drum and provide ventilation and fluids, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.\"\n    }}]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-causes-ear-infections\">What Causes Ear Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1025\" src=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Diagnosing-An-Ear-Infection-scaled-1536x1025-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Diagnosing-An-Ear-Infection-scaled-1536x1025-1.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ENT-Diagnosing-An-Ear-Infection-scaled-1536x1025-1-768x513.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An ear infection may occur in the middle ear when the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation. This blockage prevents fluid in the middle ear from draining, which can cause a middle ear infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or upper respiratory infection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to upper part of the throat and provides an outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and leading to infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-children-get-ear-infections-so-frequently\">Why Do Children Get Ear Infections so Frequently?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>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. The result is an earache and, in some cases, loss of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-an-ear-infection\">What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The hallmark signs of otitis media are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier than usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping. They may also pull or tug on their ears.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"should-you-see-a-doctor\">Should You See a Doctor?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of it developing into a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/29125825\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/29125825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chronic condition<\/a>.&nbsp;Schedule an appointment with our clinic if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You experience fluid discharge, bloody fluid, or pus from your ear.<\/li><li>Symptoms of an ear infection last longer than a day.<\/li><li>You are in extreme pain.<\/li><li>Your child shows symptoms and is under 6 months of age.<\/li><li>Your toddler or infant shows symptoms following an upper respiratory infection or cold.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-an-ear-infection-cause-complications\">Can an Ear Infection Cause Complications?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>If left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss, damage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst called a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For these reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is prevention.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"an-untreated-infection-can-lead-to-mastoiditis\">An Untreated Infection Can Lead to Mastoiditis.<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. This is call a mastoid infection or mastoiditis. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-mastoiditis\">What Are the Symptoms of Mastoiditis?<\/h4>\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-mastoiditis-treated\">How Is Mastoiditis Treated?<\/h4>\n\n\n<p>Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, a mastoid surgery, or mastoidectomy may be necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-ear-infections-treated\">How Are Ear Infections Treated?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"otc-or-prescription-medication-options\">OTC or Prescription Medication Options<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Treating an ear infection begins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against the affected ear. Eardrops and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, which can be dangerous to young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Up to 80% of ear infections may go away without antibiotics. <\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2013\/02\/25\/172588359\/pediatricians-urged-to-treat-ear-infections-more-cautiously\" title=\"Pediatricians Urged To Treat Ear Infections More Cautiously | NPR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"NPR (opens in a new tab)\">NPR<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. Common options include amoxicillin. Antibiotics should always be taken until used up, even if you or your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving; otherwise, the infection could worsen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surgery-for-chronic-infections\">Surgery for Chronic Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>When medication is not effective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are inserted in the&nbsp;tympanic membrane,&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;known as the ear drum,&nbsp;and provide ventilation, keeping the ear clear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from six to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to remove them is performed.&nbsp; <br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-cta-container\">\n<div class=\"content-cta-text\">\n<p>Call Hearing &#038; Balance Institute of Utah at for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"tel:+18018529696\" class=\"phone cta-phone-link\"><svg width=\"14\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.9 0H2.1C1.54305 0 1.0089 0.237053 0.615076 0.65901C0.221249 1.08097 0 1.65326 0 2.25L0 21.75C0 22.3467 0.221249 22.919 0.615076 23.341C1.0089 23.7629 1.54305 24 2.1 24H11.9C12.457 24 12.9911 23.7629 13.3849 23.341C13.7788 22.919 14 22.3467 14 21.75V2.25C14 1.65326 13.7788 1.08097 13.3849 0.65901C12.9911 0.237053 12.457 0 11.9 0V0ZM7 22.5C6.81639 22.4999 6.63461 22.461 6.46503 22.3856C6.29545 22.3102 6.14139 22.1997 6.01164 22.0605C5.74962 21.7794 5.60255 21.3983 5.6028 21.001C5.60292 20.8043 5.63921 20.6095 5.70958 20.4278C5.77996 20.2461 5.88305 20.0811 6.01296 19.942C6.27534 19.6613 6.63106 19.5037 7.00187 19.504C7.37267 19.5043 7.7282 19.6623 7.99022 19.9435C8.25225 20.2246 8.39931 20.6057 8.39907 21.003C8.39882 21.4003 8.25128 21.7812 7.9889 22.062C7.72653 22.3427 7.37081 22.5003 7 22.5H6.99907H7ZM11.9 17.44C11.899 17.5882 11.8436 17.73 11.7458 17.8348C11.648 17.9396 11.5157 17.999 11.3773 18H2.62453C2.48591 18 2.35297 17.941 2.25495 17.836C2.15693 17.731 2.10187 17.5885 2.10187 17.44V2.813C2.10187 2.66448 2.15693 2.52204 2.25495 2.41702C2.35297 2.312 2.48591 2.253 2.62453 2.253H11.3736C11.5119 2.25405 11.6443 2.31338 11.7421 2.41818C11.8399 2.52297 11.8953 2.6648 11.8963 2.813L11.9 17.44Z\" fill=\"#FF886D\"\/>\n<\/svg><br \/>\n<span class=\"phone-number\">(801) 852-9696<\/span><\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Causes Ear Infections? An ear infection may occur in the middle ear when the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation. This blockage prevents fluid in the middle ear from draining, which can cause a middle ear infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1520,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"class_list":["post-1445","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1445\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hearingbalanceutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=1445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}