Ear
Infections Are Common
It may seem like kids are always
getting ear infections, but it’s really true. Ear infections are very common in
kids. Children get ear infections about two out of every three times they have
a cold. Children are more prone to ear infections because their small ears do
not drain fluid as well as adult ears do. Kids’ immune systems are also
immature, and this increases the likelihood of certain infections.
Swimmer's Ear
An infection of the ear canal (the outer ear) is sometimes referred to as
swimmer’s ear. The name comes from the fact that it most often occurs when the
ear canal stays wet long enough for bacteria or other organisms to grow.
Scratches or injuries from cotton swabs or other objects inserted into the ear
can also be the start of an ear infection. Signs of an outer ear infection
include itching or soreness of the ear when touched.
Ear Infection Diagnosis
The diagnosis of an ear infection is made by examining the inside of the ear
with an instrument called an otoscope. A normal, healthy eardrum has a
pinkish-gray color as shown here. The healthy eardrum is clear, while an
infected eardrum is bulging (swollen) and reddened.
The Inside of Your Ear
The Eustachian tube is the canal that connects your middle ear to your throat.
When the Eustachian tube is open as it is normally, it prevents fluid and air
pressure from building up inside the ear. Infections like colds, the flu, or
allergic reactions can cause the Eustachian tube to become swollen and blocked.
Fluid Inside the Ear
When the Eustachian tube is blocked, there is a buildup of fluid inside the
middle ear. This fluid is an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to
grow, causing infections. The otoscope can blow a tiny puff of air against the
eardrum to see if it vibrates normally. When there is fluid present in the
middle ear, the eardrum does not vibrate normally.
Eardrum
Rupture
When the pressure from fluid buildup
is too high inside the middle ear, the eardrum can rupture, as shown here. When
the eardrum bursts, brown, yellow, or whitish fluid can drain from the ear. The
eardrum usually heals without medical treatment within a few weeks after a
rupture, and hearing is typically not worsened unless it continues to occur
frequently over a period of time. Sometimes when the eardrum bursts, the pain
suddenly resolves since the pressure is relieved.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Ear pain is the main sign of ear infection in children. Kids with ear
infection may have trouble sleeping because of the pain. Other symptoms can
include discharge or fluid coming from the ears, fever, problems with hearing,
dizziness, or nasal congestion.
Ear Infection Symptoms: Babies
Ear infections aren’t always apparent in babies and children that are too
young to describe their pain. They may signify ear pain by pulling on or
fussing with their ear. Or they may just be irritable, or not eating or
sleeping well. Babies sometimes refuse to drink from a bottle because
swallowing hurts their ears.
Ear Infection Home Care
There are some home care measures you can take to help your child’s ear
pain. Ear drops can bring relief, but these should not be used without checking
with your doctor first. Warm washcloths applied to the outside of the ear may
be helpful. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever medications such as
acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used, but you should never give aspirin to children
Antibiotics to Treat Ear Infections
Sometimes ear infections resolve without any specific treatment. Some ear
infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are only effective against
bacterial infections, not viral infections. So it is possible that your doctor
may not want to prescribe antibiotics right away. Your doctor will decide if
and when antibiotics should be used in a given case.
Ear Infection Complications
Repeated ear infections can lead to scarring of the eardrums. Over time,
this can cause hearing and speech problems. Your doctor may recommend having
your child’s hearing tested if he or she has frequent ear infections.
Ear Tubes
Tympanostomy tubes are small tubes that are sometimes inserted in the
eardrums of children who have frequent ear infections. This image shows an ear
tube positioned in the eardrum. The tubes allow drainage of fluid so that fluid
cannot buildup in the middle ear. This can lessen the chance of infection and
reduce the pain that may be associated with pressure. Ear tubes usually fall
out on their own after a number of months.
Could Swollen Tonsils Be The Cause?
Enlarged tonsils can sometimes put pressure on the Eustachian tubes,
preventing them from draining fluid out of the ear. This can lead to ear
infections. Sometimes, doctors recommend tonsillectomy for children who have
very large tonsils and frequent ear infections.
Ear Infection Prevention
The common cold is the main cause of middle ear infections in children, so
by preventing colds, you’re also taking steps to prevent ear infections.
Thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent colds. Other preventive
measures against infection include avoiding secondhand smoke, receiving the
annual seasonal flu vaccine, and breastfeeding babies for at least 6 months to
enhance the immune system.
Ear Infections and Allergies
Allergies can also cause inflammation and contribute to ear infections.
Allergy testing can identify the allergen triggers for your child. Medications
or allergy shots usually can bring relief and also lessen the likelihood of ear
infections.
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