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Your searched on: ear infection

Recurrent Ear Infections and Persistent Effusion
If a child has repeat ear infections (three or more ear infections in a 6-month period or four in 1 year), you may want to consider treatment to prevent future infections. One option used a lot in the past is long-term oral antibiotic treatment. There is debate within the medical community about using antibiotics on a...

Ear Infections
What is an ear infection (otitis media)? An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. This infection is called otitis media. The area can get infected when germs from the nose and throat are trapped there. Ear infections happen mostly to young children. They're the most common kind of...

Complications of Ear Infections
Complications from ear infections are rare. But some problems that can occur include: Trouble hearing. Hearing problems are usually temporary and mild to moderate. Long-lasting hearing loss is rare. But some children may have problems learning to talk and understand speech if they have repeat ear infections. Rupture of...

Tympanocentesis for Ear Infections
Tympanocentesis is the removal of fluid from behind the eardrum. The doctor uses a special needle with a tube attached to collect the sample of fluid. A culture and sensitivity test is usually done on the sample of fluid. Before the test, your child may get medicine to help relax. Or a doctor or nurse may apply medicine...

Ear Infection: Should I Give My Child Antibiotics?
Guides through decision to use antibiotics for a child's ear infection. Covers symptoms of an ear infection. Offers home treatment tips. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision. This topic is only appropriate for children 6 months and older.

Ear, Nose, and Throat
Provides links to info on sore throats, ear infections, and sinusitis. Also has info on mononucleosis tests and decision aids for sleep apnea and allergies.

Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
What is swimmer's ear? Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an inflammation or infection of the ear canal, the passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. This condition is called swimmer's ear, because it commonly occurs in people who have been swimming. But other people can get it too. What causes it? You can...

Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear)
Briefly discusses causes of swimmer's ear and common symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?
Guides through decision to treat fluid buildup in the middle ear. Discusses risks and benefits of treatment such as ear tubes and adenoid surgery. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Infant and Toddler Health
Provides links to topics that cover common parenting questions about infant and toddler health. Includes info on how to stop thumb-sucking, how to manage an episode of croup, and whether to give your child antibiotics for an ear infection.

Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
Briefly discusses common causes of ear injuries and problems, including infection, sports injuries, and loud noises. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Acetic Acid Otic Solution (ACETIC ACID - OTIC)
For ear inflammation. Generic Name: Acetic Acid.

Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
Briefly discusses common causes of ear injuries and problems, including infection, fluid buildup, and allergies. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone Otic Suspension (CIPROFLOXACIN/HYDROCORTISONE SUSPENSION - OTIC)
For ear infection. Brand Name(s): Cipro HC. Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.

Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone Otic Suspension (CIPROFLOXACIN/DEXAMETHASONE SUSPENSION - OTIC)
For ear infection. Brand Name(s): Ciprodex. Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone.

Ciprofloxacin/Fluocinolone Otic Solution (CIPROFLOXACIN/FLUOCINOLONE - OTIC)
It is best to have another person give the drops to get the full dose and to avoid contamination. To reduce risk of dizziness, warm the bottle in your hand for 1-2 minutes before using it. Lie on one side with the ear to be treated facing up. After placing the drops in the ear, gently press the area in front of the ear...

Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B Otic Suspension (NEOMYCIN/POLYMYXIN/HYDROCORTISONE SUSPENSION - OTIC)
For ear infection. Brand Name(s): Oticin HC. Generic Name: Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B.

Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B Otic Solution (NEOMYCIN/POLYMYXIN/HYDROCORTISONE SOLUTION - OTIC)
For ear infection. Brand Name(s): Cortisporin. Generic Name: Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B.

Colistin/Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Thonzonium Otic Suspension (NEOMYCIN/COLISTIN/HYDROCORTISONE/THONZONIUM SUSPENSION - OTIC)
For ear infection. Brand Name(s): Coly Mycin S, Cortisporin-TC. Generic Name: Colistin/Neomycin/Thonzonium/Hydrocortisone.

Chloroxylenol/Hydrocortisone/Pramoxine Otic Solution
For ear inflammation. Brand Name(s): Cortane-B. Generic Name: Chloroxylenol/Hydrocortisone/Pramoxine.

Ear Tube Surgery
Ear tubes are plastic and shaped like a hollow spool. Doctors suggest tubes for children who have repeat ear infections or when fluid stays behind the eardrum. A specialist ( otolaryngologist) places the tubes through a small surgical opening made in the eardrum (myringotomy or tympanostomy). The child is unconscious...

Flu: Signs of Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection may develop following infection with viral influenza. Signs of a bacterial infection include: Feeling short of breath. A fever that doesn't go away. A cough that lingers more than 7 to 10 days after other symptoms have cleared, especially if it is bringing up mucus (productive). Yellow, green...

Colds
What are colds? Colds are the most common infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat (upper respiratory infection). Colds are caused by viruses. They're spread by coughs, sneezes, and close contact. You can catch a cold at any time of year, but they're more common in late winter and early spring. There's no cure for...

Body Piercing Problems
Briefly discusses common problems from body piercings, including infection, problems with jewelry, torn skin, and scarring. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Tympanometry
Tympanometry tests the movement of the eardrum when an ear infection or other middle ear problem is suspected. A doctor places the tip of a handheld tool into the child's ear. The tool changes the air pressure inside the ear and produces a clear tone. Then the tool measures how the eardrum responds to the pressure and...

Sinusitis
Discusses sinusitis, which is infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities. Covers acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Looks at causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with medicines and surgery.

Strep Throat
Discusses strep throat, an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. Covers symptoms like sore throat and fever. Includes info on rapid strep test and throat culture. Covers treatment with medicines and surgery (tonsillectomy). Includes info on possible complications.

Throat Culture
Discusses test used to find cause of a sore throat. Covers conditions caused by fungal or bacterial infection. Covers how test is done. Looks at what results might mean.

Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems
Briefly discusses symptoms of sore throat caused by virus and bacteria infections and irritants. Covers common cold, mononucleosis (mono), strep throat, and flu. Covers symptoms such as swollen glands and pain. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Parotitis
What is parotitis? Parotitis is a swelling of your parotid glands. These are salivary glands located between the ear and jaw. Causes can include viral and bacterial infections. It can also be caused by certain health conditions, a tumor, or salivary gland stones. Parotitis can be acute (happen suddenly) or chronic...

Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)
Covers how broken noses can happen. Discusses symptoms such as nose pain, swelling, and crooked or bent appearance. Covers diagnosis and treatment. Also covers possible complications, such as infection and breathing difficulty.

Mononucleosis (Mono)
Discusses mononucleosis (also called mono or the kissing disease) caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Covers symptoms including high fever, severe sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands), tonsils, and spleen. Offers home treatment and prevention tips.

Tonsillitis
Discusses tonsillitis. Covers symptoms like sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Includes causes like the bacteria that cause strep throat. Discusses home treatment, nonprescription pain medicines, surgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Tracheostomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Discusses tracheostomy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It's done only for severe OSA. Explains that a permanent opening in windpipe is created. Discusses possible complications, including lung infection, trouble talking, and scar tissue.

Facial Problems, Noninjury
Briefly discusses causes of facial problems, including skin conditions and infections, and health conditions with facial symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Tonsillectomy
Explains surgery to take out tonsils because of strep throat infections or tonsillitis. Gives info on what to expect after surgery, such as sore throat. Explains how child may feel and act after surgery. Also includes info on risks.

Needle Puncture and Aspiration of Sinus Contents
For this test, the sinus cavity is punctured with a needle, and a sample of the sinus contents is obtained. A culture and sensitivity test is often done on the sample to identify the bacteria, virus, or fungus causing the infection and to determine which medicine will be most effective in treating it. Cells taken from...

Strep Throat Complications
Complications of strep throat are rare but can occur, especially if strep throat is not properly treated with antibiotics. Complications can be related either to the strep infection or to the body's immune response to the infection. Complications related to the strep infection Although rare, complications can result...

Sinusitis: Should I Have Surgery?
Guides through decision to have surgery to treat chronic sinusitis. Discusses endoscopic and traditional surgery. Explains who is a good candidate for surgery. Lists reasons for and against surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Endoscopic Sinus Exam
An endoscopic sinus exam allows the doctor to see all the structures inside the nose and the sinuses. Before inserting the endoscope, the passages inside the nose are opened up with a decongestant medicine and numbed with an anesthetic. The endoscope is guided up through a nostril and into the sinus opening, but it is...

Body Piercing: Safe Jewelry Choices
Not all jewelry is appropriate for body piercing. Choose jewelry for body piercing sites that: Is removable. If you have your mouth pierced and you use oral jewelry, make sure it can be removed. For example, you should be able to unscrew the ball on one end of a barbell-shaped device to make the device easy to insert...

Saline Nasal Washes for Sinusitis
Most of the time it is best to do your saltwater (saline) nasal wash before you use your other nasal medicines. The wash will help your sinuses absorb the medicine. Saltwater washes (saline lavage or irrigation) help keep the nasal passages open by washing out thick or dried mucus and allergens. They can also help the...

Mononucleosis Tests
Covers monospot test (heterophil test) and EBV antibody test, blood tests used to diagnose mononucleosis (mono), which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Covers how it is done and risks. Also includes info on what test results might mean.

Tonsillitis: Should My Child Have a Tonsillectomy?
Guides through decision to have your child have a tonsillectomy for tonsillitis. Includes common reasons to have a tonsillectomy. Describes how this surgery is done. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Mononucleosis Complications
Most people recover from mononucleosis (mono) without any complications. But there are many possible complications of mono. These include: An enlarged spleen, which occurs in up to 75 out of 100 people who have mono. Red spots or rash, which can develop if you are taking certain antibiotics. The rash is not an allergic...

Endoscopic Surgery for Sinusitis
In endoscopic sinus surgery, an endoscope is inserted into the nose. It lets the doctor see inside the sinuses. Surgical tools are inserted alongside the endoscope. This allows the doctor to remove small amounts of bone or other material blocking the sinus openings. The doctor can also remove growths (polyps) of the...

Sinus Surgery for Sinusitis
Briefly discusses surgery to treat chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis: Over-the-Counter Medicines
Medicines available without a prescription may help relieve pain and promote sinus drainage. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. You can: Try a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve facial pain and headache. Use a nasal spray, gel, or drops to help a stuffy nose...

Mouth Piercing Problems
Problems that can develop when you have your tongue, inner cheek, uvula, or lip pierced include: Pain. Bleeding. Infection at the site of the piercing. Infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Speech problems. Chewing and swallowing problems. Tooth damage, including chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Scar...

Sinusitis: Should I Take Antibiotics?
Guides you through the decision to take antibiotics to treat acute sinusitis. Explains causes of sinusitis and how well antibiotics work. Lists risks. Discusses other treatment for sinusitis. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.