Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that children visit the pediatrician’s office due to health problems. Many parents constantly worry about it. What Causes This Condition? How do parents know that their child suffers from one?
An ear infection is basically an inflammation of the middle part, the part responsible for transmitting sounds from the eardrum to the inner ear. With the help of the Eustachian tubes, the midsection secretes a fluid that drains into the back of the throat. If this fluid is not drained, it collects in the middle ear and serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. This eventually causes an infection.
What are the common symptoms of an ear infection?
Many times, parents may have a hard time identifying symptoms. It often starts with a cold or the flu. A child may experience a runny nose or cough, followed by a fever. This puts the child in a bad mood as he constantly touches his ear in an attempt to ease the discomfort.
The child will also experience:
• vomiting
• An unpleasant odor coming from your child’s ear
• No appetite
• Inability to hear
• Sleeping problems
• A whitish / yellowish liquid
Why are children more affected by ear infections?
Immature immune system: A child’s immune system is not as developed as an adult. This makes it difficult for children to fight harmful viruses, bacteria, and infections.
Smaller Eustachian tubes: Children’s Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level. It becomes difficult for fluids to drain out of the ear, even when they are functioning normally. When the tubes are blocked / swollen with mucus, it becomes even more difficult for the fluid to drain completely.
Trapping of bacteria in adenoids: Adenoids help fight infection by trapping bacteria that enter through the mouth. When bacteria get trapped in the adenoids, they cause an infection that spreads to the middle ear.
Infection treatment
Most of the time, the pain goes away within 24 hours, so it’s good to wait a day. If symptoms persist, it is time to contact your pediatrician. Some doctors prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. If the infection is mild, pain relievers or drops also help relieve pain. Make sure your child takes the antibiotics as prescribed, and after that, come back for a follow-up visit to check if the infection has cleared.