Ear Pain
Pediatricians in Houston, Texas
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Ear pain, or otalgia, is among the most frequent reasons for pediatric visits. Regardless of its nature, ear discomfort interferes with the daily activities of your child and may indicate underlying health concerns. We understand how ear pain can present a challenging situation for both parents and children. If you suspect that your child suffers from it, trust our pediatric team to provide compassionate and specialized care.
Why Does Ear Pain Affect Children?
Ear pain is seen more frequently in children since their stage heightens their risk of ear-related issues:
- Their immune system is in development: Because children are in a critical developmental stage, their immature immune systems often struggle to combat infections effectively.
- Shorter Eustachian Tubes: Narrow, horizontal tubes drain fluid poorly, increasing infection risk (most prevalent between ages 6 months – 3 years).
- Curiosity-driven habits: Young children may insert small objects or pour water into their ears when playing, potentially causing blockages, infection, and injury.
- Frequent upper respiratory infections: Children are more prone to getting colds and allergies, often leading to middle ear inflammation.
How Can I Tell My Child Has Ear Pain?
Little children and babies may rely on nonverbal cues to communicate discomfort, making it difficult to identify if there is pain in a particular area. However, subtle signs can alert caregivers to potential issues. Among their most common non-verbal behaviors, we can find:
- Frequent ear tugging or rubbing
- Unusual irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in eating habits
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Infection and Other Causes of Ear Pain in Children
- Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): The most common cause of pain in children is infection related to bacterial growth after colds or flu, leading to middle ear inflammation.
- Otitis Externa (also known as Swimmer’s Ear): The moisture trapped in the outer ear canal of children’s ears fosters bacterial infections.
- Foreign objects: Little objects, toys, food, or even insects lodged into the ear canal require immediate pediatric care to avoid complications.
- Teething or jaw pain: For younger children, the discomfort from emerging teeth or jaw pain strain can also mimic ear discomfort.
How to Prevent Ear Pain in Children?
- Dry ears gently. Every time after a bath or swimming activity, pay special attention to checking the outer ear of your child and gently towel-dry ears.
- Avoid cotton swabs. Clean only the outer ear with a damp cloth.
- Stay up to date on vaccines. Especially pneumococcal and flu shots reduce the child’s infection risks.
When to Call a Pediatrician for Ear Pain in Houston?
At Katy Pediatric Associates, we recognize that delayed treatment risks complications like hearing loss or developmental delays (worst-case scenario). Contact us immediately if your child has:
- Severe Pain
- High Fever (Over 102°F or 38°C)
- Hearing Loss
- Discharge (Pus, Blood, or Fluid Leaking from the ear)
- Balance issues (Indicates Dizziness)
Your Trusted Pediatric Practice
At Katy Pediatrics Associates, our goal is to monitor your child’s health and provide comprehensive management for sore throats. We are aware that sore throats can be concerning for both children and parents, that’s why we work closely to address symptoms, provide comfort, and prevent sore throat reoccurrence.
To learn more about treatment options for a sore throat in Houston, Texas, schedule your visit by calling 281-492-7676 or send us a message online today.