Ear infections are a common childhood ailment that can cause discomfort and concern for both children and parents. The purpose of this blog article is to discuss the details of paediatric ear infections including their symptoms, causes and treatment for pediatric ear infections.
What are Pediatric Ear Infections?
Otitis media refers to an inflammation of the middle ear and in this case, the affected part is known as ear infections. This inflammation is mainly due to the accumulation of some fluid behind the eardrum, though this may be a result of several factors. It is nevertheless important to understand that ear infections are more predominant in children especially those below three years of age.
Symptoms of Pediatric Ear Infections
The symptoms which signify pediatric ear infections in children are at times visible particularly those children who cannot communicate. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Ear pain: This is mostly apparent when it is present. Your child could be fussy, or even pull at their ear or tug at the ear as well.
- Difficulty sleeping: You find that lying down can cause a build-up of pressure in the ear and this may cause your child discomfort when doing the activity.
- Fever: A temperature above 100 degrees centigrade for instance is considered high and is relatively dangerous as compared to the normal temperature. Ear infections are at times associated with temperatures of about 4°F (38°C).
- Drainage from the ear: You may observe a yellow or whitish liquid discharging from your child’s ear for instance.
- Trouble hearing: It may be challenging for your child to hear soft signals or seem as though he or she does not comprehend you when you speak.
Causes of Pediatric Ear Infections
Much of the information on the prevention of pediatric ear infections has to do with what causes it. Here are some common causes:
- Bacterial or viral infections: This one begins from the nasal cavity to the pharynx and also extends to the middle ear.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Children have short and comparatively more parallel tubes in which the Eustachian tubes are present because of this children are more likely to have blockage of the tubes or even bacterial penetration into the middle ear.
- Allergies: These are capable of eliciting inflammation with stasis of the nasal passages and the Eustachian tubes.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke: This results in Eustachian tube inflammation and opens up the possibility of infections.
Management of children’s ear infection
The management of ear infections has changed over the years as explained below briefly. Here are some current treatment for pediatric ear infections options:
- Watchful waiting: In mild cases in children over six months old, the physician might advise the parents to wait for a few days without giving any antibiotics. A large number of ear infections do not necessarily require any treatment and will subsequently resolve on their own.
- Antibiotics: If the infection is serious or does not subside in several days, an ENT doctor may recommend antibiotics. Failure to finish the course as recommended means that you will have wasted time.
- Pain management: Pain and fever can be controlled by the patients themselves. Tylenol or Advil will do the trick. In your case make sure that you give the right amount in terms of the weight of the child and support the age of the child involved.
- Paediatric ear drops for pain: A doctor may for instance prescribe pediatric ear drops for pain that may help to possibly numb the ear in case there is pain felt. These should only be useful in case the eardrum condition does not have holes or as we might refer to perforation.
- Warm compress: To reduce pain a warm wet cloth, preferably cotton wool is put on the affected ear which usually brings relief.
Prevention of Pediatric Ear Infections
While not all pediatric ear infections can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk:
- Breastfeeding: The soymilk should be also given when possible in the first six months and if at all possible the baby should be fed with breast milk for at least the first six months of its life to build a strong immune system.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: You must not let your child breathe in secondhand smoke since this may cause Eustachian tubes in your child to inflame.
- Practise good hygiene: Inform your child to wash his/her hands more frequently this way he/she will not be spreading more germs around.
- Keep vaccinations up to date: There are vaccines which are there and can be of a lot of help when it comes to preventing incidences of infections that cause ear infections.
Conclusion
If there is a sense that something is not correct or if you are concerned regarding your baby’s signs and symptoms, then you should contact Dr Simple Bhadania. They are there for you and will make sure to help to their maximum intent especially when it comes to your child’s health.
Pediatric Ear infections are considered to be part of the growing pains that children have to go through just as falling and getting minor injuries, losing teeth, and the rest. They’re not fun, yes, you have to read a little and cuddle a lot at those moments, but you and your developing child will manage perfectly.