OVERVIEW

An ear infection, or acute otitis media, is a common childhood ailment that can also affect adults. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection that leads to inflammation and buildup of fluid in the middle ear. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear.

While most ear infections will eventually clear up on their own, some may require medical treatment. Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment, though they are not always effective. In some cases, ear infections can cause serious complications, such as hearing loss, facial paralysis, or brain abscess.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of ear infection may include the following:

• Ear pain
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Fever
• Itching and irritation

CAUSES

An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer:

• Ofloxacin Otic
• Ciprodex Drop
• Neomycin-polymyxin
• Azithromycin
• Amoxicillin
• Augmentin
• Cefdinir