Child Ear Infection

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are an inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation usually begins after the same infection that causes colds, sore throats and respiratory infections. The infection can be either bacterial or viral.

middle ear infections are particularly common in the first 2 years of the life of a child. Young children are more at risk because the tube that connects the middle ear and throat (eustachian tube) are tiny. As a result of germs in the throat and nose can travel to the ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked the fluid builds up in the middle ear can not drain effectively in the throat.

Before the start of infection of the ear of the child has generally had a cold. Often grows cold with yellow or green mucous membranes of upper respiratory tract infection. The child may then have some of the following symptoms

• unusual irritability or irritability
• Tantrums
• Difficulty sleeping
• Waking frequently at night
• Waking crying or screaming in pain
• Pull one or both ears
• Put your finger in the ears
• Fever
• Perforated eardrum resulting from drainage of fluid, pus and / or blood
• odor from the ear (after perforating the eardrum)
• Clumsiness or loss of balance
• Difficulty hearing soft sounds

Treating Ear Infections Previously, the use of antibiotics has been widely prescribed for treating ear infections. But in most cases, it is not necessary. Recent research has shown that in many cases, the ear infection clears at the same time with or without antibiotics.

However, if your child is very sick or very young antibiotics may be needed to treat ear infections and it is recommended that the child be seen by a doctor. If your child is having pain with the use of paracetamol may relieve.

Password If a child has recurring infections or middle ear "glue ear" of your ear nose and throat (ENT) may recommend grommets are inserted into the eardrum. These tubes help drain the fluid from the middle ear.

If your child has had recurrent ear infections, it is important that their hearing is monitored. If you find that your child does not respond to sounds in their environment (for example, turn up the TV) or do not respond to their names, this may indicate they have a hearing impairment. This can be done by a reference to an audiologist for a hearing assessment.