Just about every child develops an earache once in a while. It can be a very painful experience, leading to a great deal of crying and screaming. This is a common problem among children, but it could mean that something serious is going on. Here’s some information on the most typical cause of childhood earaches, and signs you need to get to the doctor as soon as you can.
Infections and Earaches
If your child suffers from earaches on a regular basis, the reason is probably an infection. An infection can cause a change of pressure in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the ears with the back portion of the mouth. There are several different kinds of infections that can lead to an earache. These include sinus infections, throat infections and colds.
An ear infection can be especially painful to a child. It typically occurs when fluid accumulates in the portion of the ear between the eardrum and inner ear, known as the middle ear. Symptoms of an ear infection include difficulty sleeping, irritability and trouble hearing. Children with this problem will often tug at or rub the affected ear.
When to Get to the Doctor
If your child is showing signs of an ear infection and also has a fever or dizziness, get to a doctor as soon as you can. You should also seek medical help if your child has a stiff neck, or you notice swelling behind the ear.
The experts with Pediatric Healthcare of Northwest Houston know how to deal with childhood earaches. We’ll quickly determine the cause of the problem and provide the treatment your child needs to get back to feeling better as fast as possible. Schedule an appointment online or call (281) 655-1500 (Houston) or (936) 539-8190 (The Woodlands/Conroe).
