How your ENT specialist in Los Angeles, CA, can help with an ear infection
Ear infections are a common problem, especially in children. That’s because the ear canals are much smaller and more easily infected by bacteria. Fortunately, your ENT doctor knows just what to do for an ear infection. Dr. Christina McAlpin in Los Angeles, CA, is an ENT specialist and otolaryngologist who offers a wide range of ENT services, including diagnosis and treatment of ear infections.
You can be at increased risk of an ear infection after having a cold, or upper respiratory infection. Bacteria spreads into the ear, causing inflammation and infection.
Ear infections can cause uncomfortable signs and symptoms like these:
- Difficulty hearing
- Balance problems
- Fever and ear pain
- Swollen lymph nodes in the area
- Fluid drainage coming from the ear
For infants and small children, you may also notice signs and symptoms like these:
- Taking longer to feed when breast or bottle feeding
- Crying frequently
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Tugging and pulling at the ear
To help prevent ear infections, it’s important to:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially when you are ill, to prevent spreading germs
- Get the flu and pneumonia vaccines when you can
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other environmental irritants
If you think you might have an ear infection, your ENT doctor can help. Your doctor may recommend:
- An antibiotic regimen to be taken for 7 to 10 days
- Eardrops to help clear out debris and infection
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication
For persistent ear infections in children, your ENT doctor may also recommend placing ear tubes in your child’s ears. This helps with drainage and prevents infection by increasing airflow and reducing fluid accumulation.
Ear infections are easily treated by your ENT specialist. To learn more about causes, prevention, signs, symptoms, and treatment of ear infections, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Christina McAlpin in Los Angeles, CA, at (213) 745-4060 today.