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Earache is the most common reason for seeing a pediatrician. Children from 6 months to 6 years of age are most commonly affected. Earache is most likely due to the inflammation of the middle ear, which develops secondary to the obstruction of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the throat. Obstruction of the Eastachian tube can result from infection, allergy, enlarged adenoids or specific anatomical or physiological features. Males are more prone to ear infections, and having siblings at home, formula feeding, bottle propping, day care attendance, the winter season, and cigarette smoke exposure will likely increase your child’s chances for developing ear infections.
Many ear infections will get better on without direct treatment. Over the counter medicines may be used for pain. Antibiotics have been proven to prevent complications stemming from ear infections. Injection of Rocephin is an approved option for the treatment of this common problem. Oral antibiotics, however, remain the preferred form of treatment for ear infections. Your pediatrician may choose to wait with starting an antibiotic depending on your child’s age and symptoms.
For additional healthy kids tips, log onto baymed.org, scroll over "Health Checks & You" and join our "E-List." For more information about childhood diseases or development, contact Inez Balinska, MD or Darek Balinski, MD, Bay Regional Pediatrics, Medical Mall, 1456 W. Center Road, Essexville. (989) 895-4840.
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