Ear Infection

Ear infections are one of the diseases that peak in the winter months. A common type is called otitis media (otitis = ear, media = middle). It is caused by swelling and infection of the middle ear, the part of the ear located behind the ear drum.

Ear infections can start suddenly, but usually develop after a viral infection, such as a cold, or the flu. This is because, viral infections can impair the normal functions of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat, and helps drain fluid that is made in the middle ear. When the tube gets blocked or swollen from allergies, colds, sinus infections, excessive saliva/mucus from teething, etc., fluid builds up behind the ear drum and can lead to infection.

EAR INFECTION SYMPTOMS

In younger children, signs of an ear infection include: difficult to soothe crying, irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, high temperature (fever), etc.  Older children may complain of ear pain, ear fullness, hearing loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and other general illness.

EAR INFECTION DIAGNOSIS

It is important that you call your doctor, if you suspect your child might have an ear infection. The doctor or nurse will be able to tell you if and when your child needs to be examined. If your child needs to be examined, the provider will look inside the ears with an otoscope (an ear examining tool), to look for areas of dullness or redness, air bubbles or fluids behind the ear drum, blood or pus inside the ear, ear drainage, a hole in the ear drum.

EAR INFECTION TREATMENT

Treatment may include observation, antibiotics, medicines to relieve pain and to treat fever. The best treatment will depend on the child’s age, any underlying illness/medical problems and the severity of symptoms. Your child’s symptoms should improve within 24 to 48 hours. If your child does not show signs of improvement or seems to be getting worse, call you doctor/health provider as soon as possible.

Uncomplicated, ear infections have a good prognosis/outlook and most children respond well to treatment. Your doctor might require a follow up appointment, especially for younger children, to ensure that the fluid buildup (which can affect hearing) has resolved.

PREVENTION TIPS

You can reduce your child’s risk of ear infections with the following measures:

• Wash hands and toys often. Keep surfaces clean.
• DO NOT use pacifiers. DO NOT use sippy cups while laying down.
• Breastfeed. If bottle feeding, hold child in an upright, seated position.
• DO NOT expose your child to secondhand smoke.
• Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.
• DO NOT overuse antibiotics. Doing so can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia