A careful look, every time
We use a pneumatic otoscope to actually see how the eardrum moves — the most accurate way to diagnose a true infection.
Services
Ear Infection Care
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons kids see a pediatrician — and one of the most over-treated. We diagnose carefully (looking inside the ear, not guessing), prescribe antibiotics only when they’ll actually help, and give you a clear plan for pain relief and follow-up. Most kids feel better in 24 to 48 hours.
When to Call
Call us if you notice any of these
We help you decide whether to come in, go to urgent care, or call 911. When in doubt, call.
- Your child is tugging at their ear and seems uncomfortable, especially when lying down
- Ear pain with a fever over 102°F (39°C)
- Drainage or fluid coming out of the ear
- Trouble hearing or balance changes
- A baby under 6 months with any signs of ear infection
- Symptoms haven’t improved after 48 hours of home care
- Your child has had several ear infections this year
What We Check
What we cover in the room
- A close look inside both ears with an otoscope — fluid, redness, bulging, or movement of the eardrum
- Whether the infection is bacterial (likely to need antibiotics) or viral (won’t respond to them)
- Whether the eardrum has drained, healed, or shows signs of repeated infection
- Hearing concerns, especially for kids who get ear infections often
- How much pain your child is in and what’s working at home
- Risk factors: age, daycare exposure, recent colds, family history
Care We Provide
Your visit includes
Antibiotics only when they help
Many ear infections clear on their own. We follow AAP guidelines: watchful waiting for some, antibiotics for others — and we explain why.
A plan for pain right away
Pain relief comes first. We talk through ibuprofen or acetaminophen dosing, warm compresses, and what to expect overnight.
Easy follow-up
If symptoms don’t improve in 48 hours, call us — we may switch the plan, recheck the ear, or look at other causes.
Watching for patterns
Recurrent infections sometimes need a hearing test or referral to ENT. We track the pattern and recommend next steps when it’s time.
Comfort matters
Kids with ear infections often feel miserable. We take extra care to make the visit calm and the exam as gentle as possible.
Come Prepared
What to bring
A few small things ahead of the visit help us spend more time on your child — and less on paperwork.
- Insurance card + photo IDFor the responsible adult on the visit.
- Symptom timelineWhen the pain started, fever readings, sleep changes, and anything that helped or didn’t.
- Pain reliever infoWhat you’ve already given (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) and the last dose time.
- A comfort itemEar exams aren’t fun. A favorite toy or blanket goes a long way.
FAQs
Questions families ask
Does my child really need antibiotics for an ear infection?
Often, no. AAP guidelines support a 48-hour watch-and-wait approach for many older children with mild symptoms — many ear infections clear on their own. We prescribe antibiotics when the diagnosis is clear, the child is very young, the pain is severe, or both ears are involved. We explain the reasoning every time.
How do I know if it’s really an ear infection or just a cold?
From the outside, it’s hard to tell — that’s why we look inside. Pulling at the ear can mean infection or just teething or fatigue. Real ear infections usually come with pain (especially lying down), fever, fussiness, and sometimes drainage. If you’re unsure, call us; we can often help over the phone.
How do I help with the pain at home?
Ibuprofen (for kids over 6 months) or acetaminophen at the right dose for your child’s weight is the mainstay. A warm compress on the ear can help. Sleeping with the head slightly elevated may reduce pressure. Avoid putting anything in the ear unless we tell you to.
How long does an ear infection take to get better?
Pain usually improves within 24 to 48 hours, with or without antibiotics. Fluid behind the eardrum can take weeks to fully clear, even after the infection is gone — that’s normal and doesn’t need more treatment unless it affects hearing.
My child gets ear infections all the time — what should we do?
Recurrent ear infections (3 or more in 6 months, or 4 in a year) are worth a deeper look. We may recommend a hearing test, a referral to ENT to discuss ear tubes, or a check on allergies and reflux. We’ll talk through the options and what makes sense for your child.
Can ear infections affect my child’s hearing or speech?
A single ear infection rarely causes lasting problems. But repeated infections that leave fluid behind the eardrum for months can muffle hearing, which can slow speech development in young children. We monitor this at well visits and don’t hesitate to refer when it matters.
Related care
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Strep Throat CareSame-day strep throat testing and treatment in Woodbridge, VA.Learn more
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Caring for Woodbridge families since 1999
Easy to find, with ample parking and a calm waiting area for families.
Office Hours
- Monday – Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
A provider is on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.