EAST COLORADO SPRINGS - Bullous Myringitis (Severe Ear Infection)

Dr. Alan Garscadden with Colorado Springs Health Partners says, he's seen many kids with a rather sudden onset of very painful ear infections.

The children literally have blisters on their ear drums that really hurt.

It's not the typical type of ear infection, since it's predominantly seen in 3 to 10 year olds rather than infants or toddlers.

Treatment includes antibiotics and over the counter pain relief.

Learn More about Ear Infections:

An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum). It is most often caused by bacteria. It usually is a complication of a cold. A cold blocks off the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat (the eustachian tube).

Most children will have at least one ear infection, and over one fourth of these children will have repeated ear infections. Children are most likely to have ear infections between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, but they continue to be a common childhood illness until the age of 8 years.

In 5% to 10% of children, the pressure in the middle ear causes the eardrum to rupture and drain a yellow or cloudy fluid. This small hole usually heals over the next week.

If the following treatment is carried out your child should be fine. Permanent damage to the ear or to the hearing is very rare.

Your child's ear is painful because trapped, infected fluid puts pressure on the eardrum, causing it to bulge. Other symptoms are irritability and poor sleep. Some children have trouble hearing. A few have dizziness.

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

1) Your child develops a stiff neck.

2) Your child acts very sick.

BRIARGATE - Conjuntivitis (Pink Eye)

Dr. Michael Halenkamp with CSHP says, he's seen an increased number of Pink Eye.

It's affects mainly older kids, ages 9 to 15.

Symptoms include itchy, scratchy eyes, redness, swelling and a discharge of pus.

It usually will go away on its own, but your doctor can prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help control the symptoms.

Pink eye is very contagious.

Wash your hands, don't touch your eyes and never share anything like cosmetics, towels or pillows as it can be passed on quickly from person to person.