Ear Infection

At Persona Medical, located in multiple offices in Illinois, Dr. Taher Sobhy has diagnosed and treated ear infections for countless patients throughout the greater Lake County area.

What causes ear infections?

Most of the time, ear infections (officially known as acute otitis media) start after a child has a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection. The same bacteria or virus responsible for those infections spreads to the middle ear area. If the preceding ailment is caused by a virus, such as a cold, the fluid from the cold can accumulate behind the eardrum and cause an infection.

Why are children so prone to ear infections?

Anyone can develop an ear infection but generally, they affect young children. Children are especially prone to ear infections because the eustachian tubes in their ears are small and more horizontal, making it more difficult for fluid to drain out. Breastfeeding babies until the age of 12 months and keeping young children away from second-hand smoke can help prevent ear infections.

How can I tell if my baby has an ear infection?

Common signs of an ear infection in babies and young children include:

• Ear pain, particularly when lying down
• Pulling at an ear
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive crying
• Acting irritable
• Trouble hearing
• Difficulty with balance
• A fever of 100 F or higher
• Fluid draining from the ear
• A headache
• A loss of appetite

How are ear infections treated?

Depending on the severity of the infection, the initial step may be managing pain and monitoring the situation. In infants or in severe or prolonged cases, antibiotics are prescribed. If an ear infection is caused by a virus, however, antibiotics are not effective. A viral ear infection is normally treated with over-the-counter pain medications to help control pain and inflammation and hydration

Can ear infections cause long-term problems?

In most cases, ear infections do not lead to permanent problems. However, chronic infections caused by persistent fluids in the middle ear can result in hearing problems and other complications.