Q: My child has a lot of colds. Should I be worried?
A: Some children have a lot of colds, and if that’s all your child has, you don’t need to worry. However, keep in mind that runny nose, watery eyes, fever, etc. can sometimes be signs of a more serious condition. Keep your pediatrician informed.
Q: My three-year-old gets ear infections all the time. Is this normal?
A: Unfortunately it’s common. The Eustachian tubes in the ears of children between two and four years old are shorter and more horizontal than those in older people—which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to get into the middle ear.
Q. How serious are ear infections in children?
A: Next to the common cold, ear infections are the biggest reason children visit their pediatricians. But unlike with most colds, ear infections can affect other delicate organs. Schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately when your child has an earache.
Q. What happens when an ear infection is serious?
A: For more serious infections, we’ll learn your child’s medical history and perform a thorough examination that includes the use of an otoscope to see inside the ear. We can then decide if special x-rays and cultures to test for resistant bacteria are necessary.
Q: Is surgery ever necessary in treating ear infections?
A: For some conditions, surgery may be part of the treatment. A simple surgical procedure done under anesthesia as an outpatient can eliminate or markedly reduce the number of infections for most children. Occasionally, we may need to repair a child’s eardrum or rebuild the hearing bones.
Q: Will your treatments be painful for my child?
A: Our core philosophy is to treat the whole child with as little pain as possible—and we’re especially attentive to younger children’s fears and sensitivities. We always do everything we can to help your child feel comfortable and secure during all treatments.