Otitis Media
Otitis Media, also known as an ear infection, occurs when there is not enough fresh air ventilating the middle ear and the area becomes damp and warm welcoming germs. An ear infection is often accompanied with the common cold, flu or respiratory infections. Otitis media is sometimes caused by a bacteria and will need an antibiotic. Placing a warm flannel or washcloth over the affected ear can help relieve pain.
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa, also known as swimmers ear, is an infection, inflammation, or pain in the ear caused by water trapped in the ear canal.The main cause of swimmer's ear is a break in the skin lining of the outer ear or ear canal that allows bacteria or fungi to invade the outer ear. Symptoms of swimmer's ear include pain, itching, redness, swelling, draining fluid, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ear, dizziness or vertigo. The main treatment for otitis externa is topical antibiotic drops placed in the ear canal and depending on the severity, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Ear Tubes
Ear tubes are plastic and shaped like a hollow spool. Doctors suggest tubes for children who have repeat ear infections or when fluid stays behind the eardrum. The tubes allow air into the middle ear to prevent infection. A specialist places the tubes through a small opening made in the eardrum.
Nonsurgical Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis will often get better by itself, as the body's immune system can usually take care of the infection without any treatment, if it's due to a virus. In order to relieve symptoms make sure your child is getting plenty of rest and water and is not exposed to cigarette smoke. You can also have your child inhale steam from a hot bath or shower in a closed room if supervision is present. If symptoms persist then an antibiotic will be appropriate and an examination of the throat should easily reveal if it is viral or bacterial.
Allergy and Sinus Problems
Allergies are the most common cause of chronic nasal congestion in children. Sometimes a child’s nose is congested to the point that he or she breathes through the mouth, especially while sleeping. If the congestion and mouth-breathing are left untreated, they can affect the growth of teeth and the bones of the face. Early treatment of the allergies causing the nasal congestion may prevent these problems.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in young children can be temporary, caused by earwax or middle-ear infections. Many children with temporary hearing loss can have their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery. Some children have sensorineural hearing loss (also called nerve deafness), which is permanent.