If you’ve ever been up in the middle of the night with a little one crying and tugging at their ear, you know just how miserable ear infections can be, for them and for you.
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents rush their child to the pediatrician or an urgent care clinic.
But when should you seek medical care for this condition? Here’s what you need to know about when to take your child to urgent care for an ear infection in Rockville.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses causing fluid to build up behind the eardrum.
They’re very common after a sinus infection, cold, or seasonal allergies. Kids are more prone to infections because of their ear anatomy.
The tiny passageways in the ears that drain fluid from the middle ear are shorter and more horizontal in children. This makes it easier for germs to settle in and cause trouble.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Children
Ear infections can be tricky. Sometimes there are obvious signs while other times they’re very easy to miss.
Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Ear pain, which is often indicated by pulling, tugging, or rubbing the ear
- Crying more than usual, especially when lying down
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever
- Fluid drainage
- Hearing difficulties
- Loss of appetite
In babies and younger children, you may also notice refusing to feed, increased fussiness, or difficulty balancing when walking.
Signs You Should Take Your Child to Urgent Care for an Ear Infection in Rockville
Not every ear infection requires a visit to a doctor. And not all ear pain is an infection. Your child may have swimmer’s ear. But, some situations do require prompt medical attention.
You should take your child to urgent care for an ear infection in Rockville if:
- They have a fever over 102°F
- They’re six months old or younger
- Ear pain is severe or getting worse
- There’s fluid draining from the ear
- Symptoms haven’t improved within two to three days
- They have repeated ear infections in a short period of time
For mild symptoms, such as discomfort with no fever, it’s best to wait a day or two to see if things improve.
But as always, trust your gut. If your little one seems uncomfortable, it’s better to get them checked.
Treatment Options
The treatment for an ear infection depends on the cause and severity. In some instances, the infection clears on its own.
Treatment could involve:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to keep your little one comfortable
- A warm compress to sooth discomfort
- Antibiotics, if the infection is bacterial and your child has severe or lasting symptoms
- Ear drops, which are used if there’s drainage
Tips for Preventing Ear Infections
There are many things you can do to lower the chance of your child experiencing an ear infection.
First, start by teaching your child good hygiene. Frequent hand washing helps to greatly minimize the risk of colds that can lead to infections.
Keeping up with vaccinations, especially the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine help prevent illnesses that lead to ear infections.
Upright feeding can also help as well as limiting pacifier use after the age of six months.
Visit POP Now Urgent Care for an Ear Infection in Rockville
Ear infections can be quite uncomfortable. If you suspect your child has an ear infection and hasn’t shown signs of improvement at home, come to POP NOW.
You can count on us to take the best care of your entire family.
Don’t wait! Contact us today at 240-922-0001 to speak with a member of our team or make an appointment online with one of our pediatricians.