Ear Infection Treatment
Ear infections occur when inflammation traps bacteria or viruses inside the ear, usually due to a blockage in the escutcheon tubes. Infections of the middle ear, or otitis media, are the most common type of ear infections, usually due to allergies, colds or flu causing inflammation and fluid retention. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we provide ear infection treatment to relieve symptoms and protect ears from damage at our clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
Signs of an Ear Infection
When there is inflammation in the inner, middle or outer ear, it can lead to an acute or chronic ear infection. Middle ear infections occur in the space right behind the ear drum, while inner ear infections are further back and outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear) are near or around the ear drum area. All ear infections can cause pain and may include drainage of fluid out of the ear. Depending on the amount of inflammation, the infection may reduce hearing or cause muffled hearing.
For young children unable to communicate their symptoms, you may notice they are fussy or crying more than usual. They may pull at their ears, have trouble sleeping or lose their appetite when they have ear pain from an infection.
Treatment for Inner, Middle and Swimmer’s Ear Infections
Most acute ear infections will resolve on their own within a few days. However, if you have an ear infection that lasts for multiple days or a recurrent infection, you may need medical treatment. Infants less than six months old should see a doctor if they have ear infections that last more than a day. Treatments can include cleaning the ear, drops and antibiotics, depending on the type and severity of the ear infection.
Ear infections can lead to the spread of infection or damage to the ears. If you have signs of an ear infection and need treatment, come see our team at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT. We provide effective ear infection treatment for all ages at our facility in Alpharetta, GA, near Dunwoody and Roswell in the north Atlanta area.
