When To Seek Medical Help for Your Child’s Ear Infection

Sometimes, an ear infection may go away on its own in a few days and doesn't require the assistance of a physician. However, in some cases, you should bring your kid in for a visit to see Dr. Aldo Bejarano of AFB Pediatrics, serving Pasadena, TX, and the surrounding area, to receive medical care to prevent complications like chronic ear problems and hearing loss. Let's discuss when medical help is necessary.

The Problem Is Continuing for More Than Two Days

If your child's ear infection isn't starting to improve after two days, you should bring them into our Pasadena, TX, office. There may be another more serious issue going on, such as an eardrum perforation.

The illness may be severe and won't go away on its own. When a severe infection is left to go away on its own, there's a greater chance of complications as it's healing.

The ear infection could also spread or cause a ruptured ear drum if it isn't treated properly. 

Recurring Infections  

Recurring infections, even if they don't always require the assistance of a doctor to treat them, could mean an underlying issue. Your kid may need more extensive treatment, such as surgery, to stop them from occurring, which could mean referring you to an ear specialist. 

Symptoms Are Getting Worse 

The symptoms of an ear infection are often worse in the first few days, but after that, they should start to improve. If you notice they're continuously getting worse, you should bring your child to see a doctor for treatment. If they continue, the infection could spread or cause their eardrum to rupture.

Hearing Problems After an Infection 

Whether the infection cleared on its own or your child visited a doctor who prescribed antibiotics, if your child has hearing problems or a feeling of discomfort or fullness that's lingering after an infection, you should schedule your child for an appointment. We may need to prescribe medication to relieve any inflammation or fluid in the middle ear. If your child has had fluid in their ear in the past, we may recommend a surgical procedure to place tubes to help with drainage.

New or Worsening Drainage 

If your child is having new or worsening drainage, we recommend bringing them to us for treatment to prevent any complications. The color and thickness of the drainage can tell us a lot about the infection.

If your child has any of the aforementioned, or you're worried for any other reason about an ear infection, schedule a visit with Dr. Bejarano of AFB Pediatrics, serving Pasadena, TX, and the neighboring communities.

Schedule an appointment by calling us at (832) 386-9200.