Hi,
If your child is experiencing bouts of
ear pain and a wrinkled
eardrum, it may be a sign of an
ear infection or some other underlying condition. Here are some potential causes:
* Ear infections: The most common cause of ear pain in children is an ear infection, also known as
otitis media. The wrinkled appearance of the eardrum could be due to fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can cause pressure on the eardrum and lead to changes in its appearance.
* Eustachian tube dysfunction: When the eustachian tube becomes blocked or inflamed, it can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear and lead to ear pain and a wrinkled eardrum.
* Trauma: If your child has recently had any trauma to the ear, such as from a fall or blow to the head, it could cause the eardrum to become wrinkled and result in ear pain.
* Wax buildup: Excessive
earwax can also cause ear pain and discomfort. If wax buildup is the cause, it can be easily treated by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
* Foreign object: If your child has inserted a foreign object into their ear, it can cause the eardrum to become wrinkled and lead to ear pain.
If your child continues to experience ear pain despite completing two rounds of antibiotics, it may be a sign that the infection has not cleared up completely or that there is another underlying issue. It's important to take your child to their healthcare provider for a follow-up evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the ear pain and wrinkled eardrum. An
ENT specialist may be consulted to provide further evaluation and treatment options.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician