Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the health care provider. The most common type of ear infection is called otitis media. It is caused by swelling and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum.
An acute ear infection starts over a short period and is painful. Ear infections that last a long time or come and go are called Chronic Ear Infections.
At Make You Well in Richardson, the most common ear infections we see are caused by a blockage of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube runs from the missile of each ear to the back of the throat. Normally, this tube drains fluid that is made in the middle ear. If this tube gets blocked, fluid can build up. This can lead to infection.
Ear infections are commonly seen at Make You Well in infants and children because their tubes are smaller and easily clogged. Ear infections also are seen in adults, although they are less common than in children.
Ear infections are treated in our Make You Well Richardson offices a number of ways. They may require an ear lavage, or cleaning of the ear canal, or they may require treatment with antibiotics to fight off the infection.