Ear Infection Treatment

Ear Infection Treatments in Charleston, SC

What is an Ear Infection?

This is an infection that occurs in the ear. It primarily causes pain and swelling, but there can be a host of other concerns.

What are the Types of Ear Infections?

There are three main types of ear infections.

Middle Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media)

A middle ear infection happens when bacteria or viruses cause the space behind the eardrum to become inflamed and filled with fluid. While especially common in children, it has been known to affect adults too. If left untreated, middle ear infections can lead to complications such as persistent hearing loss, eardrum damage, or spreading of the infection.

Fluid In Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)

This occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear, without an active infection. It often follows a recent ear infection or develops after sinus problems cause swelling that blocks fluid drainage. While it may not cause pain like an acute infection, it can lead to muffled hearing, a sense of fullness in the ear, and speech or developmental issues in children.

Infection In Outer Ear Canal (Otitis Externa, aka Swimmer’s Ear)

When water becomes trapped in the ear, it becomes a moist environment where bacteria or fungi thrive. Common symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, drainage, and pain upon contact. Early treatment helps clear the infection quickly and relieves discomfort.

Who is at Risk for Ear Infections?

Ear infection is most common in children. Adults can get ear infections too, but they don’t happen nearly as often as they do in children. Risk factors for ear infections include:

Age

ear infections occur most often in children between age three months and three years old

Allergies

inflammation and mucus caused by allergic reactions can block the Eustachian tube

Cold or Sinus Infections

most start with a cold and may result in pressure build up in the middle ear

Adenoid issues

adenoids are glands above the roof of your mouth in the back of your nose that help protect your body from infections, but sometimes the infection can spread from these glands to your ears

Chronic illnesses

those with lifelong illnesses may struggle with ear infections, especially those with immune deficiency and chronic respiratory diseases

Habits

such as bottle feeding, pacifier use, frequent laying on back, changes in climate or altitude, frequent exposure to other children, all may result in an ear infection. For external ear infections, the greatest risk factor is swimming/water exposure to the ear canals

What are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms of middle ear infection in children can include:

Ear pain
Ear drainage
Hearing loss
Fever
Fussiness or irritability
Rubbing or tugging at an ear
Difficulty sleeping

If you are unsure if you or your child has an ear infection, it is important to seek medical attention for an evaluation. Untreated ear infections could result in other complications such as hearing issues or more serious infections. We would be happy to talk to you and resolve your concerns about a potential ear infection.

How The Charleston Sinus Center Treats Ear Infections

The first step for successful treatment of an ear infection is making the right diagnosis. Outer and middle ear infections are treated differently.

Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear)

Swimmer’s ear is usually treated with removal of any wax or debris in the ear canals with use of a specialized microscope to view the canal, and small instruments and suction. Antibiotic ear drops, with or without steroids, are the mainstay of treatment, after the ear canal is cleaned. Occasionally the ear canal will swell shut, and a small wick will need to be inserted into the canal to allow the antibiotic drops to get to the deeper infected areas. Oral antibiotics are rarely needed to treat these types of ear infections, but are used every now and then, when the infection is severe and spreading to the tissues outside of the ear canal. Ear tubes are never needed for treatment these types of infections, and in fact, would likely make these infections worse.

Why Choose Us?

Board-certified ENT & sinus specialists
State-of-the-art endoscopic technology
In-office minimally invasive options like Balloon Sinuplasty
Comprehensive care plans: diagnosis, surgery, and long-term management
Proven results: 85% success rate with sinus surgery

Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)

Since many of these infections are due to viruses, usually, a close period of watchful waiting for 2-3 days takes place under the care of the child’s pediatrician. Usually by the time the child sees an ENT specialist at the Charleston Sinus Center, the infection has moved past the initial 2-3 days, or there are recurrent long-lasting infections. In these cases, oral antibiotics are often needed for treatment. If a child or adult has multiple episodes of otitis media back to back, placement of an ear tube into the affect ear drum(s) can be very beneficial and reduce the frequency of infections.

otitis media with effusion (fluid behind the ear drum)

When fluid is found behind the ear drum, it has a 90% chance of resolving on its own by 3 months after it was discovered. For adults, a nasal endoscopy is often performed to make sure there are no growths or cancer in the back of the nose that has caused the fluid buildup in the ears. Nasal sprays and allergy treatments are often tried during the first 3 months. After 3 months, if fluid buildup remains behind the ear drums(s), an ear tube can be placed to drain the fluid. This often immediately improves hearing.

Patient Testimonials

"I hate to leave a "Dr Russell and his staff was Great!" or "He was awesome!" review, except both of those things are true. I felt Dr Russell really listened to my complaint and concerns. "

"Great Dr! He always takes time to explain whatever is going on. I've been a patient of his for about 8 years. Treated for sinusitis, nose polyps, and ear problems. Would never consider going to another ENT. Thanks Dr Russell"

"This is the first time in my life I haven't been to the doctor for a sore throat in over a year. I appreciate Dr. Russel for helping me. I am so glad he is my doctor. What a difference you've made in my life!"