You may have noticed the prevalence of ear infections in your children in their developing years, especially when they are below five years of age. It can cause discomfort and distress in your child and affect their daily lifestyle. While adults also get them, kids are more likely to get them because their immune systems haven't developed enough yet to resist common viruses and bacteria.
Dr Sunil Kumar Gonuguntala, Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospital, Marathahali, Bengaluru, explained ear infections along with their treatment and preventive measures.
Understanding Ear Infections
Ear infections, commonly known as otitis media, occur when the middle ear is inflamed as a result of bacterial or viral infections. According to the International Journal of Paediatrics, the prevalence of ear infections was 7.9% among children aged 4-5 years and 3.3% among children aged 10-11 years.
Children are more vulnerable to ear infections due to their shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes (Eustachian tubes link your middle ears to the back of your throat). It can be easily become blocked, resulting in fluid collection. An ear infection can cause ear pain, fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping, hearing loss, and fluid discharge.
Also Read: What Is Serous Otitis Media? How It Is Different From Ear Infection, Know Symptoms And Risk Factors
How To Treat Ear Infections
When it comes to treating ear infections in children, several approaches can provide relief and promote healing. Dr Gonuguntala said, “Parents can wait for 24-48 hours to see if the child’s ear infection gets better on its own, otherwise consulting a specialist is recommended.”
Antibiotics will be prescribed:
- If the child is moderately or severely ill with a high fever.
- Having severe pain in the ear
- If the condition is not improving within 48 hours
- If the ear canal is producing a new fluid
He further added that antibiotics are recommended for uncomplicated ear infections for 7-10 days for the age group of 6 months to 2 years, and children who are over 2 years will be having the antibiotic for 5 days. Medicine is provided to the children to reduce the pain. Children usually feel better within a day of starting an antibiotic, but make sure to finish the course. Visiting a doctor once in a while will be beneficial as it will help in ensuring that the infection has cleared up completely or not.
Other treatment measures that include are as follows:
Ear Drops
In some cases, antibiotic ear drops may be recommended to alleviate pain and combat infection.
Warm Compresses
A warm compress applied to the afflicted ear might help decrease the discomfort and inflammation.
Also Read: What Is The Role Of Diet In Maintaining Good Ear Health
How To Prevent Ear Infections
Preventing ear infections is key to reducing the frequency and severity of episodes. Here are some measures listed by Dr Gonuguntala that you should follow:
- Vaccinate the child: This includes pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Consider breastfeeding: Breast milk provides the child with antibodies to fight infection
- Maintain Right Feeding Position: Make sure the child sits up during feedings to prevent fluid from flowing into the middle ear
- Maintain Hygiene: This includes frequent washing of hands (both parents and children)
- Steer clear of sick people as children may contract a virus or infection much easier than adults
- Avoid passive smoking (both parents and children)
[Disclaimer
This article contains information provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, you recommend you consult your expert for a diagnosis catered to your needs.]
