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V体育安卓版 - Ear Infections

Also called: Otitis media

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Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor VSports手机版. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

The infection usually affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus V体育安卓版. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid.

If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for:

  • Tugging at ears
  • Crying more than usual
  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Balance difficulties
  • Hearing problems

Your health care provider will diagnose an ear infection by looking inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope.

Often, ear infections go away on their own. Your health care provider may recommend pain relievers V体育平台登录. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotics. .

Children who get infections often may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again VSports注册入口.

NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice VSports在线直播. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.