Middle Ear Infections

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. These middle-ear infections happen at any age; however, they usually affect 16–18-month-old infants.

Younger children are especially vulnerable when it comes to ear infections, as the middle ear is both narrower and smaller than the adult middle ear; this makes it easier for such infections to take root.

If your child does has an ear infection, you might see some fluid coming out of the ear. If your child is in pain, or if you are, and these symptoms do not clear, then seek some medical advice.

IPSA Medical’s Treatment for Ear Infections

At IPSA Medical, one of our doctors who has a strong background in emergency medicine will see you. IPSA Medical’s resident doctor has expertise in paediatric A&E, thus routinely assesses/examines children of any age.

You and your child will be seen in a clean and quiet environment for an immediate appointment at a time that suits you.

Whether either you or your child has otitis media, or if there is another reason behind your child’s distress, your IPSA Medical doctor always takes the symptoms seriously.

A full examination will be undertaken to rule out any serious causes for your child’s symptoms or for your symptoms.

The treatment IPSA Medical offers depends on the symptoms and the cause for them. Your IPSA Medical doctor might offer you:

If you are prescribed an inhaler, you will be shown exactly how/when to use the inhaler during your consultation.

Your IPSA Medical doctor will teach you to watch out for any signs of deterioration in your child’s condition, and if you do have any further questions or worries once you have gone home with your treatment, then our doctors will be available to advise you over the phone.

Ear Infections in Children

Children can be especially vulnerable to ear infections if they have medical conditions such as congenital heart disease or cystic fibrosis. If your child does have one of these conditions alongside an ear infection, then contact IPSA Medical for an immediate appointment.

Complications from otitis media are uncommon but can prove troublesome; they could lead to mastoiditis. This happens when the infection migrates into the bones (called mastoids) that are underneath the ear.

Very rarely, the infection develops into meningitis. This happens when the infection migrates into the meninges (the protective membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain).

Symptoms of Ear Infections

If is often quite difficult to determine when something is not right when you are dealing with young children. These symptoms can be present in young children with an ear infection:

Often, ear infections clear by themselves in a couple of days. You can give ibuprofen or paracetamol to your child (appropriate to the child’s age) to relieve the pain and reduce a high temperature.

Placing a warm flannel/cloth over your child’s sore ear can also help in relieving the pain.

If the symptoms have not cleared or if you have concerns about your child, contact IPSA Medical immediately.

IPSA Medical aims to give you total peace of mind alongside full accessibility to our doctors if you require the service after you have had your consultation.

Contact IPSA Medical today for an ear appointment with one of our experienced doctors. Alternatively, you can book a same-day appointment online.