Ear infections can develop at any age but are especially common in infants and toddlers. Their small ear structure makes young children especially vulnerable to infections because it is more difficult for fluids to drain from the middle ear. When fluids build up, infection-causing bacteria or viruses can grow more easily. The skilled providers at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita and Derby, KS, treat ear infections in infants, toddlers, and older children. 

Causes of Ear Infections

One of the main causes of ear infections in infants and toddlers is a virus or bacteria in the middle ear. The infection often develops with a cold, respiratory infection, or other similar illness that causes swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and eustachian tubes. The swelling prevents fluids from properly draining from the middle ear, which creates the right conditions for infection-causing bacteria and viruses to thrive.

Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection 

Since infants and toddlers have not yet developed the verbal skills to describe their symptoms or how they feel fully, parents and caregivers need to recognize the signs of a possible ear infection. Signs of ear infections in younger children include:

• Fussiness
• Rubbing the ears
• Pulling on the ears
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Difficulty hearing sounds
• Balance problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Treating Ear Infections 

There are several ways to treat ear infections in infants and toddlers. The right method or combination of treatments sometimes depends on different factors, including your child’s symptoms and the severity of the infection. The experienced providers at our pediatric office in Wichita, KS, treat ear infections in young children using one or more of the following methods:

• Oral antibiotics if due to a bacterial infection
• Ear drops to ease pain and discomfort, as well as prevent bacteria growth
• Ear tubes for better ventilation and to prevent fluids from building up
• Using a warm compress to reduce pain or discomfort
• Over-the-counter oral pain relievers

If your infant or toddler has developed symptoms of an ear infection, we can help. Contact Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita and Derby, KS, to schedule a sick visit with one of our caring providers to have your child treated.

East Wichita (316) 634-2000
West Wichita (316) 773-3100
Derby (316) 719-2001