Common symptoms of ear infection in kids include:
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. They often begin after your child has a cold or respiratory illness. Children are more prone to ear infections than adults because their immune systems are not fully developed. They also have smaller eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ears to the back of the throat. This makes fluid more likely to build up, which can lead to an ear infection.
Children may also be more prone to ear infections if they use a bottle while lying down or are exposed to secondhand smoke.
In many cases your child may not need treatment for an ear infection. Some ear infections clear on their own and your doctor may suggest waiting a few days before starting treatment. Your care team at Arkansas Children’s is experienced in treating ear infections in children and will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan for your child.
If your child does need treatment, options may include:
New and existing patients can visit our appointment hub for several ways to request an appointment, including online scheduling for many services.
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