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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOtitis media is the medical\nterm for an inflammation of the middle ear, commonly referred to as an ear\ninfection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The majority of ear\ninfections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or\nupper respiratory infection. These conditions cause swelling of the Eustachian\ntube, a small canal that connects the middle ear to the nostrils and provides\nan outlet for fluid drainage, trapping germs and fluid in the middle ear and\nleading to infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because children are still\ngrowing physically, some of their internal organs may also be temporarily\nunderdeveloped. This is true of the Eustachian tube, the canal that connects\nthe middle ear to the nostrils, providing an outlet for fluid drainage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the Eustachian tube\nis smaller in children, it is more prone to swelling; when this occurs, fluid\nis trapped in the middle ear. This fluid presses against the eardrum, causing\npain, and can harbor germs that lead to infection. The result is an earache\nand, in some cases, loss of hearing. When the infection does not completely go\naway or returns often, it is referred to as chronic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The hallmark signs of otitis\nmedia are pain and pressure in the ear and fluid drainage. These may be\naccompanied by a low-grade fever and hearing loss. Infants are often fussier\nthan usual, and may cry inconsolably, refuse to eat and have trouble sleeping.\nThey may also pull or tug on the ear. Symptoms may be milder in chronic ear\ninfections. Should your child display any of these symptoms, bring them to the\ndoctor; the sooner an acute ear infection is treated, the lower the chances of\nit developing into a chronic condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Are Ear Infections Treated? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treating an ear infection\nbegins at home. To help soothe symptoms, gently press a warm washcloth against\nthe affected ear. You may give your child eardrops and over-the-counter\nmedications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain. Avoid\naspirin, which can be dangerous to young children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your child\u2019s doctor will\nlikely prescribe antibiotics to treat a chronic ear infection. These should be\ntaken until used up, even if your child\u2019s symptoms appear to be improving;\notherwise, the infection could worsen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When medication is not\neffective, a surgical solution involving ear tubes may be considered. These are\ninserted in the middle ear and provide ventilation and fluids, keeping the ear\nclear and preventing infection. Most ear tubes remain in place anywhere from\nsix to 18 months and eventually fall out on their own. If not, surgery to\nremove them is performed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can Ear Infections Cause Complications? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If left untreated, chronic\near infections can lead to a variety of complications including hearing loss,\ndamage to the bones in the middle ear, balance problems, a middle ear cyst\ncalled a cholesteatoma, facial paralysis and inflammation of the brain. For\nthese reasons, early detection and treatment are crucial. Better still is\nprevention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t always stave off an\near infection, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your\nchild developing one. These include breast-feeding your baby, making sure he or\nshe is up-to-date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene (e.g., regular hand-washing),\nkeeping your child away from tobacco smoke, and enrolling them in as small a day\ncare or preschool facility as possible. Simply put, fewer children mean fewer\ngerms. <\/p>\n\n\n