Recurring Ear Infections in Casa Grande: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See an ENT

Ear infections are painful, frustrating, and difficult to manage — and they’re especially common for families in Casa Grande and surrounding Pinal County communities, where allergies and dry air can aggravate sinus and ear health. While ear infections are more common in children, adults aren’t completely safe either.

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Recurring ear infections can quickly impair one’s ability to hear and communicate properly, ultimately impacting one’s ability to function — whether you’re trying to work, go to school, or enjoy life in Casa Grande’s desert climate.

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If you are one of the unlucky few to experience painful ears and ear infections that simply won’t go away, it is more than crucial to know why this happens, what the telltale signs are, and when you should see an ENT specialist.

What Is a Recurring, Frequent, or Chronic Ear Infection?

An ear infection is described as an infection in the middle ear. The infection occurs due to a virus or bacteria, causing pain and discomfort in the affected ear.

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An infection occurs when the Eustachian tube becomes clogged, causing fluid buildup in the middle ear. This buildup of fluid behind the eardrums causes pain and discomfort in the patient’s ear.

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In some cases, ear infections don’t heal completely, so they keep coming back. In these cases, it becomes what is known as a chronic ear infection. This is a common concern we hear from Casa Grande-area families — especially during allergy or cold seasons.

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There are three main types of infections that can affect the middle ear:

• Acute otitis media (AOM): AOM is the most common type of ear infection. It occurs from fluid buildup behind the eardrums, causing pain and discomfort in the ears.

• Otitis media with effusion (OME): OME is a type of middle ear infection that results after an AOM infection heals, but fluid remains trapped in the middle ear. OME is more common in children. It can cause hearing loss or lead to another infection.

• Chronic suppurative otitis media (COME): COME is a type of middle ear infection where fluid buildup stays behind the eardrums for an extended period of time or when the infection keeps coming back because it has become resistant to treatment. This can cause hearing problems.

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What Causes Chronic Ear Infections?

Many people in Casa Grande experience recurring ear infections due to a mix of seasonal allergies, dry air, and frequent sinus issues. The Eustachian tube is a tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Ear infections typically start from the Eustachian tube becoming clogged, causing fluid buildup in the middle ear, making a person more susceptible to ear infections.

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Ear infections often result from a bacterial or viral infection. Common health risks include allergies, the common cold, and the flu. Such conditions cause problems for the nose, throat, and ears, increasing the risk of infections.

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An ear infection becomes chronic when the infection doesn’t seem to resolve in three months, even with treatment. Repeated infections may also be categorized as chronic.

Children have smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes than adults, which means they are more likely to develop chronic ear infections. Other risk factors may include a recent upper respiratory tract infection, a family history of ear infections, and Down syndrome.

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Adults who have a history of ear infections as a child are also more susceptible to developing chronic ear infections in adulthood.

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What Are the Common Symptoms of Chronic Ear Infections?

If you’re in Casa Grande, Maricopa, or neighboring areas, and you've noticed these recurring symptoms, it may be time to consult an ENT.

• Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the ears
• Issues with hearing
• Pus-like liquid draining from the infected ear
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Low-grade fever
• Trouble sleeping
• Fussiness in children

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When to See a Doctor for Chronic Ear Infections

In most cases, ear infections can resolve on their own without treatment. However, Casa Grande residents dealing with stubborn or frequent symptoms should not wait too long to seek medical advice — especially if symptoms last more than a few days. Although they can be painful and frustrating, they’re not often life-threatening. If your symptoms last for more than three days, if the symptoms get worse, or if you notice significant changes in your symptoms, do consider consulting with an ENT specialist.

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Treatment Options for Chronic Ear Infections

The appropriate course of treatment will depend on your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms, and how long you’ve been experiencing them. The common treatment options for chronic ear infections include:

• Medications: If the infection is due to a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed a round of antibiotics. Pain relievers and numbing ear drops can also manage the pain.

• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Myringotomy is a procedure where the doctor inserts a small tube into the infected eardrum to help drain the fluid from the inner ear. This relieves ear pressure and reduces infections.

Adenoidectomy is a procedure that removes the adenoids, which are glands located at the back of the nose. When these get infected, it prevents proper fluid drainage and can lead to ear infections. Removing them can prevent recurring problems.

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Arizona Breathe Free Is an Ear Infection Specialist

If you are a resident of Casa Grande, AZ, or nearby areas like Maricopa, Eloy, or Coolidge, do not hesitate to contact the team at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers for expert ENT care. Our providers specialize in helping both adults and children find relief from recurring ear infections, sinus issues, and more.

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Don't let chronic ear infections disrupt your daily life in Pinal County — schedule your consultation at Arizona Breathe Free in Casa Grande today and take the first step toward long-term relief.

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Check out our ear care tips!

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