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How Is Ear Infection Treated ?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Apr 2012
Question: My 11 month old has been sick for six weeks with 3 ear infections, a viral infection and strep throat. She has been on antibiotics 3 times and still has low grade temp and is pulling at ears. She is teething as well..not sure what to do from here??
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 hours later)
Dear Ashgriggs,

Thank you for your query.

1. If she has not received any antibiotics, get a course prescribed by a physician.

2. There is no substitute for a direct ear examination using an otoscope and a direct throat examination. Get her ears and throat examined by a local ENT Specialist, who may then prescribe medication including ear drops. I assume that her ear discharge was not foul smelling. There may be ear wax or an infection. This may act as a septic focus leading to the low grade fever.

3. Ear infection is common in infants because the Eustachian Tube that connects the nose to the ear is shorter, wider and more horizontal than in an adult. Hence nasal infections, milk and nasal secretions reach and infect the ear easily. Raise his head while feeding.

4. If her recurrent infections continue, get a routine blood test and throat swab for culture and sensitivity done to rule out a depressed immune system.

5. Teething is known to cause the most bizzarre symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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How Is Ear Infection Treated ?

Dear Ashgriggs,

Thank you for your query.

1. If she has not received any antibiotics, get a course prescribed by a physician.

2. There is no substitute for a direct ear examination using an otoscope and a direct throat examination. Get her ears and throat examined by a local ENT Specialist, who may then prescribe medication including ear drops. I assume that her ear discharge was not foul smelling. There may be ear wax or an infection. This may act as a septic focus leading to the low grade fever.

3. Ear infection is common in infants because the Eustachian Tube that connects the nose to the ear is shorter, wider and more horizontal than in an adult. Hence nasal infections, milk and nasal secretions reach and infect the ear easily. Raise his head while feeding.

4. If her recurrent infections continue, get a routine blood test and throat swab for culture and sensitivity done to rule out a depressed immune system.

5. Teething is known to cause the most bizzarre symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.