Usually, the infection responds to treatment and does not reoccur soon after the therapy. If your child is frequently ill with a sore throat, he or she may be a carrier of the bacteria that causes the problem. There are some other less common causes for sore throats in children, including reflux and allergies. Your pediatrician will know which is which. Prevention is difficult, but hand washing is the best way to avoid the spread of upper respiratory infections.
All children get earaches or ear infections from time to time.
If a child develops a persistent infection that does not respond to antibiotics, or if the clear post infection fluid does not get reabsorbed efficiently and quickly, a surgical procedure to drain the fluid and re-ventilate the ear may be suggested. Because the ears could not stay aerated and open, a tiny plastic or metal tube is placed in the eardrum after the fluid is removed in order to keep the ear free of repeat infections while the child grows. This is done as needed, and can be done at SOCH at almost any age. It is an easy procedure to have done and really cuts down on the number of times a child has to take antibiotics for ear infections. Therapy is similar in adults.