Unfortunately, ear infections and other ear, nose, and throat-related ailments are common in children. An ear infection, or otitis media, occurs when the Eustachian tube, which is the passage from the back of the nose to the space behind the eardrum, becomes blocked by inflammation or infection.
Children are prone to more ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. The Eustachian tubes in babies and younger children are not fully developed, which makes drainage of trapped fluid more difficult. Also, your child’s immune system is still developing, so it is harder for them to fight infections.
Symptoms of an ear infection
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Fussiness or crying more than usual
- Discharge from ear
- Cold symptoms
- High fever
- Trouble sleeping
When to see an ENT
- Hearing impairment
- Persistent earache
- Balance problems/dizziness
- Recurring ear infections
- Infection symptoms that move outside of the ear
Treatment may include:
- Applying gentle pressure to ear with warm washcloth
- Holding child in an upright position
- Prescription ear-numbing drops
- OTC pain reliever (talk to pediatrician first)
- Antibiotics
Advanced pediatric care at the Jordan Valley Children’s Center
The Jordan Valley Children’s Center provides 24-hour comprehensive pediatric care from board-certified pediatric physicians and nurses with extensive pediatric-specific credentials. The West Jordan unit is equipped to provide care for patients as young as one week old to 18 years of age.
Jordan Valley Children’s Center Grand Opening Event
When: Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Jordan Valley Medical Center
3580 West 9000 South
West Jordan, UT 84088
Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony, pediatric unit tours, and light refreshments.
