Arlington Ear Infection Treatment

Services for Adults & Children

Has your child complained of a painful, burning sensation in their ear? Ear infections can occur in patients of all ages, but they are most common in children. They are usually caused by bacterial infections in the inner ear and may accompany a flu or cold.

Ear infections will often end on their own without treatment, but younger patients, especially infants, are at greater risk for long-term problems when they have an infection. Although they are not usually a serious problem, you should keep an eye out for some of the more serious side effects.

You should seek treatment for an ear infection right away if:

• The affected is a newborn under 1-year old.
• The symptoms last for more than a day
• The pain is severe
• The infection occurred in conjunction with a cold or flu
• There is discharge leaking from the ear
• The infection is accompanied by a fever

Symptoms of an Ear Infection & Treatment Options

The symptoms of an ear infection usually begin right away. If you experience sudden, seemingly unprompted ache in your ear, an ear infection is the most likely cause.

Symptoms of an ear infection include:

• Ear pain
• Ear pain that increases when lying down
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fluid leaking from the ear
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Hearing problems

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications to help you manage the pain. An antibiotic prescription may be necessary for more serious infections that are accompanied by a fever. The younger a child is, the more important it is to have their infection treated quickly. At home, you may be able to help manage the pain by pressing a warm, damp cloth over the ear and holding it there for several minutes.