Ear Infections Season is Upon Us

TYLER — This time of the year Ear Infections are not uncommon. On Wednesday Dr. Christopher A. Perro told KTBB, “Yes, we tend to see more patients this time of year coming in with ear infections. Since the ears and nose are connected, upper respiratory infections like colds dominate in the fall and winter months, and that can lead to more ear infections.”

The otolaryngologist at UT Health East Texas Ear, Nose and Throat Center at Three Lakes in Tyler continued, “An earache is the most common sign of an ear infection, and that can present as either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous ache. You might also experience a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, ear drainage and even nausea. In children, common signs are tugging at the ear, irritability, fever, poor sleeping and a diminished appetite.” This time of year Dr. Perro said many people will seek treatment, “Most middle ear infections will either resolve with observation or antibiotics, but ear tube placement can reduce the frequency of infections as well as complications of those repeated infections.” Dr. Perro said tubes may be needed with repeated ear infections, typically three or more ear infections within a six-month time period or more than four in a year, “tubes also may be used to help when fluid hangs out behind the eardrum for too long and causes hearing loss or speech delay.” The Dr. concluded with information about Adenoids, that are a pad of tissue, similar to the tonsils, but that is located in the back of the nose, “If adenoids are enlarged or chronically infected, then they can cause nasal breathing problems and contribute to higher risk of middle ear infections. Removing the adenoids is straightforward and can improve nasal breathing and sinus as well as ear infections in kids.”