The team of MENTSA physicians have extensive experience in treating chronic ear infections. This is a
common health issue that troubles people in Central Mississippi, especially children. Children between
the ages of six months and two years are the most susceptible to ear infections because of the size and
shapes of their Eustachian tubes and because they don’t fight off viruses and bacteria as well. Also
known as recurring acute otitis media, these ear infections often produce the following symptoms.

Children

• Feeling of pressure in the ear
• Tugging or pulling at the ear
• Mild ear pain
• Fluid draining from the ears that sometimes contains pus or bloody discharge can indicate ruptured tympanic membrane.
• Low fever usually 100 F (38 C) or higher
• Hearing loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Crying more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of balance
• Becoming more irritable than usual

Adults

• Ear pain
• Diminished hearing
• Fluid draining from the ears.

 

Ear Infection Causes

A blockage of the eustachian tube is the usual cause of an ear infection. Also known as the auditory
tube, it connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx which is the upper part of the throat behind the
nose. The eustachian tube drains fluid from the middle ear. When an individual gets a common cold,
the flu, an upper respiratory infection, an allergy or a bacterial infection from another source, the
eustachian tube may become blocked and have infection set in.

 

Ear Infection Diagnosis

The physicians at MENTSA stand ready with the knowledge and most sophisticated equipment to
accurately diagnose whether or not someone has an ear infection. Primary diagnostic instruments
include a lighted instrument known as an otoscope to look at the ears, throat and nasal passages.

 

Ear Infection Treatments

Treating an ear infection often depends on the cause and severity of the infection. If a virus has caused
the infection, then antibiotics won’t help. However, antibiotics can fight bacterial infections.
With initial ear infections, patients need to see their pediatrician or primary care doctor until they have
had multiple (4-6) occurrences that don’t respond to antibiotic treatment within a year.
If an infection is causing serious complications or problems such as fluid behind the ear persist, a
procedure known as myringotomy may be recommended. Myringotomy (getting ear tubes) is also
recommended for patients that have chronic ear infections.