What Causes Ear Infections?

What Causes Ear Infections?

If you or your child have an ear infection in Thousand Oaks, CA, West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat is here to help. Our skilled team of physicians can diagnose and treat ear infections to get you feeling better! Keep reading about ear infections and call us if you or a child is suffering from one.

What is an ear infection?

Ear infections in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Camarillo, CA, can be painful and interfere with your life. An infection happens when viruses that are in your nose and throat enter the ear through the eustachian tubes. Your eustachian tubes are small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When the ear is infected these tubes are inflamed and it causes pain when you swallow and sneeze.

In children, these tubes are very narrow so ear infections can happen to you at any age but are most common among young children. Young children can't always communicate that their ears are hurting so you may notice them tugging on their ears or being very fussy. We are happy to treat patients of all ages so bring your child in if you notice these signs.

What causes ear infections?

The most common causes of ear infections include:

● Changes in air pressure
● Common cold
● Allergies
● Smoking
● Tonsilitis

Any combination of these things can contribute to an ear infection.

Treating ear infections

Sometimes ear infections can clear up on their own and you won't need to see a doctor. However, if you are in pain from an ear infection, a simple exam can help your doctor confirm an infection and determine the best treatment. You may be prescribed antibiotic drops for your ears or drops made to relieve pain.

West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat has a dedicated team of doctors to help when you have an ear infection and need an ENT. Contact us for an appointment in Thousand Oaks at (805) 379-9646, in Simi Valley at (805) 527-7320, in Oxnard at (805) 983-0395, and in Camarillo at (805) 484-5929.

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