Explaining Ear Infections in Greenville, SC
Greenville, SC, is home to Foothills ENT, where Dr. Thomas Sellner sees patients daily for various ear, nose, and throat conditions.
What is an Ear Infection?
A viral or bacterial ear infection can make anyone's life miserable. While children are more prone to developing an ear infection, adults are occasionally susceptible to these infections.
Types of Commonly Seen Ear Infections
- Middle ear
- Middle ear with fluid buildup
- Outer ear canal
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
If your infant is fussy and irritable, has a fever, rubs or tugs at its ear, has a red and warm outer ear, has difficulty sleeping, has a decreased appetite, or has noted hearing loss, they may have an ear infection.
Older children and adults display many of the same symptoms. Adults with these symptoms may try home remedies to alleviate symptoms.
When further symptoms like drainage from the ear, a fever over 102. °F you should call Foothills ENT in Greenville, SC, to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
If your infant is under 90 days old and has a fever of at least 100.4 °F or higher, seek medical attention immediately.
Our providers can examine the inner ear, looking for fluid buildup. Fluid in the ear can cause pain and pressure.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your age and the type of ear infection our providers find. Our providers may order imaging tests, such as CAT scans, MRIs, and possible blood work. They may also order antibiotics or steroids to help decrease swelling if symptoms do not improve after three days.
The last resort to eliminating chronic ear infections may be surgery to insert tubes into the inner ear, preventing fluid buildup.
Our practice, Foothills ENT, serves children and adults in and around Greenville, SC. We see patients with various ear, nose, and throat conditions daily.
If you have symptoms of an ear infection, please call us. Never risk complications from ear infections, such as permanent hearing loss.
