Ear Infections Treatment in Queens, NY

Ear infections, common among children, are more often than not just uncomfortable episodes. But they can lead to serious complications, which is why you need to bring your kids to the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY, at the first signs of the condition. Since an ear infection can strike you and other adults and adolescents in your family, you should heed the same advice. In addition to proven, successful treatment, you’ll learn valuable information about how to prevent ear infections in the future. Call today for an appointment.

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons young children need to see a doctor, but they happen to adults too. If you have an ear infection, it means that bacteria or a virus has entered your middle ear, which consists of the space behind the eardrum. This causes swelling, pain, fever, lack of appetite and fluid discharge, among other symptoms.

Ear infections don’t always indicate a serious illness, but it can lead to complications. If you suspect you or your child has an ear infection, visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY. Your ENT specialist relieves your symptoms and helps you prevent future infections. More importantly, only a specialist can figure out if the ear infection involves something more serious.

Preventing Ear Infections

Children are more likely to get ear infections, partly because the shape of their inner ear makes it harder to drain fluid. Also, kids’ immune systems are weaker, and they don’t always have a sense of good ear hygiene. Making sure your children’s hands and ears are clean daily is an easy step to take to prevent infections. Other prevention tips include:

• Vaccinating your children for the flu. Strange as it may seem, flu shots actually stop middle ear infections in your children.
• Breastfeeding until the age of six months. It’s been shown to build a child’s immune systems.
• Keeping your child away from secondhand smoke.
• Never letting your children have a bottle when they go to sleep or allowing them to drink while lying down. The ears are connected to the throat, so children become susceptible to ear infections if they drink while lying down.
• Taking extra safety precautions if your child spends a lot of time with other children, such as at a daycare.

Never assume that ear infections happen solely because of a lack of hygiene. Your genes may also put you at risk for ear infections. For adults, the best ways to prevent ear infections include:

• Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Avoiding people who have a cold or virus
• Diligently treating cold symptoms
• Cleaning your ears regularly and appropriately
• Making sure your ears don’t get filled with water
• Seeing your Medex ENT physician or primary care doctor at the first signs of ear discomfort

Why Do Ear Infections Happen?

Ear infections happen in part because your ears are connected to your nose and throat. This is why you’re more likely to develop an ear infection following a cold or sinus infection. Ear infections also are more likely to occur more often if you’ve bad allergies.

Thankfully, most ear infections are mild and may even resolve on their own, but don’t leave it to chance. Always visit your ENT doctor for every case of ear infection. You can prevent complications that may include:

• High fever
• Discharge
• Vertigo, dizziness and balance problems
• Chronic ear infections
• Hearing loss

For your child, you need to keep an eye out for symptoms that may be a sign of ear infection. Fever, problems with balance, trouble sleeping and playing constantly with their ears all point to an ear infection. Take your child to see your ENT specialist at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center at the first sign of an ear infection.

Ear Infections Treatment Options

For adults, your ear, nose and throat expert may advise you to try resting and drinking lots of fluids for a few days. Over-the-counter medications reduce pain and fever while mitigating some of the uncomfortable symptoms. Only after that regimen brings you no relief does your doctor suggest anything else.

If your discomfort hasn’t subsided after a few days, your specialist may prescribe a round of antibiotics, which fight off the bacteria that may be causing your ear infection. For children, it’s considered especially important to wait a few days before resorting to antibiotics.

When More Powerful Treatments Are Needed

If your child gets ear infections over and over again, your Queens ENT doctor may recommend a minor surgery. This procedure involves putting tubes in your child’s ears to aid air flow and drainage. In severe cases, a part of the inner ear may have to be removed.

These procedures are rare, as the more common treatments usually solve the problem. The good news is that these procedures work well when needed. Just remember not to wait to get an evaluation for ear pain and discomfort suggest an ear infection. Contact the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center today for an evaluation and treatment.

We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900

Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.