Our team at Ear Nose & Throat, Surgeons of Western New England is made up of skilled doctors who understand how to treat many problems. For example, we can help with severe ear infections in Springfield and Northampton, MA to ensure that you or your child get help. The following information can help you gauge when you have an infection and what we can do about it.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

The following symptoms all indicate an ear infection:

• Pain and discomfort inside the ear
• Pusy drainage from the ear
• Hearing loss that may affect both ears 
• Persistent pressure inside the ear 
• High fever that won’t go away 
• Stomach aches caused by fever and discomfort
• Headaches and balance problems 
• Restlessness and inability to hear certain sounds 
• Trouble eating properly 

In some cases, an ear infection may clear up in a few days and won’t need specialized treatment to manage. However, it’s usually necessary to work with a medical team to manage this problem. Thankfully, we’re here to help. We can provide a broad range of effective care options that can reduce your pain.

How to Treat an Ear Infection

At Ear Nose & Throat, Surgeons of Western New England, we can help treat your ear infections to ensure that you get the support you need. With our help, you can avoid long-term complications and keep yourself and your child happy. Here are a few treatment methods that might make the most sense for your needs:

• Home Care: Typically, we start by getting you to do some home treatments that may help minimize your symptoms. These include putting a warm washcloth on the ear, taking decongestants and ear drops, and sleeping off of the ear to minimize pain.
• Medical Treatment: Home care methods aren’t designed to completely manage an infection but to reduce pain. Typically, you need antibiotics over a 7-10 day period to reduce your symptoms. Always take your full prescription to ensure you manage this problem properly. 
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgeries might be needed to drain fluid from your ears, reduce your pain, and manage other complications. For example, surgically removing the adenoids may be necessary if they swell or enlarge due to serious infections in the ear. 

Managing Infections Properly

If you or your child need help with infections and you aren’t sure where to turn, call us at Ear Nose & Throat, Surgeons of Western New England, to learn more. Our team can help with ear infections in Northampton and Springfield, MA, and we will do what we can to help you. Call our Springfield office at (413) 732-7426 and Northampton at (413) 586-2033 to get started.