Ear Infections

After a brief delay dealing with hacker issues on our facebook page we are now back to our regularly scheduled programing.

The ear can be divided into three compartments, the inner, the middle and the outer ear.  Infections can occur in all three parts.

Inner ear infections are quite rare.  These are usually viral in nature and associated with decreased hearing and dizziness.  They only rarely respond to antibiotics.

Middle ear infections are behind the ear drum.  They are occasionally viral in nature but may be bacterial in nature as well.  These are what most people are refering to when they say that they have "an ear infection".  The pus may drain out of the ear through a small hole in the drum created by rupture or a surgical insertion of a needle by a doctor.  The outer ear infections are commonly refered to as swimmer's ear and treated with antibiotic and steroid drops often with the insertion of a wick.

I hope that this serves to clear up some confusion for everyone.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431.
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv