Ear Infection Q & A
Ear infections are a common occurrence in young children and also affect about 20% of adult Americans each year. At Houston Ear Allergy and Rhinology Surgical Associates, services are available to treat acute and chronic ear infections. Board-certified and fellowship-trained ear surgeon Said Sana, DO specializes in tube placement surgery for adults and kids to improve ear drainage and prevent recurrent infections. Dr. Sana can meet with you and your child in the office or virtually to determine if ear tube surgery is a treatment option.
Call the Conroe or Spring, Texas office to schedule an evaluation for ear infections or book an appointment online today.
Ear Infection Q & A
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses settle into the inner, middle, or outer part of your ear. You can develop an ear infection when you get a cold or when fluids aren’t able to drain out of your ear properly.
Swimmer’s ear is also a type of ear infection that affects the outer ear canal. The bacterial infection develops when water stays in the canal for an extended period, which gives bacteria a space to grow.
Houston Ear Allergy and Rhinology Surgical Associates offers comprehensive ear infection care for children and adults. Dr. Sana can meet with you in the office and also provides virtual consultations on the phone or through an online video platform to evaluate your ear infection symptoms.
When should I seek treatment for an ear infection?
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Houston Ear Allergy and Rhinology Surgical Associates if you or your child have ear infection symptoms like ear pain, ear pressure, and fever that lasts for several days.
Young children who can’t communicate their pain may frequently pull on their ears, appear more irritable than usual, and have difficulties falling or staying asleep. You might also notice your child doesn’t respond to your voice if the infection causes temporary hearing loss.
Dr. Sana checks your ears to identify an infection and rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. He customizes a care plan for you or your child to relieve existing ear pain and prevent recurrent ear infections.
How is an ear infection treated?
Treatment for a bacterial ear infection in adults and kids involves antibiotics. You can also use over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever.
Antibiotics won’t treat viral infections. Instead, Dr. Sana can recommend rest, fluids, and other home care strategies you can use until the infection resolves.
If you or your child has chronic ear infections because of eustachian tube dysfunction that prevents proper drainage, you may need surgery.
Dr. Sana can place tiny tubes in the middle ear to drain excess fluids to lower your risk for recurrent infections. He offers surgery on an outpatient basis, so you can go home soon after to start your recovery.