What Causes an Ear Infection?
If you have a young child, you have probably experienced an otitis media (middle ear infection) diagnosis at some point. To understand why these infections are more common in children, it’s important to understand our anatomy.
There is a tube connecting the middle ear (made up of the ear drum and three small bones) to the nose and throat. This tube is called the eustachian tube. When a child is sick, particularly when they’ve had lots of congestion, the eustachian tube can become blocked, creating a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria in the middle ear. Because children have smaller eustachian tubes, they are more easily blocked with minor illnesses/irritants. Many ear infections will resolve on their own, but when they are accompanied by discomfort and/or a fever, antibiotics may be necessary.
| Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection include: Tugging at ears Pain while lying flat or changing positions Fever Balance issues Eye drainage Rolling of the head from side to side (in babies) Decreased feeding (caused by pain with sucking) Disrupted sleep Fussiness Trouble hearing or a blocked sensation in the ear Drainage from the ear |
What Should I Do to Help My Child?
If you suspect that your child has ear pain or an infection, you can try Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) and a warm compress to the ear to relieve their symptoms. Please note – Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) is ONLY for children over 6 months of age. If pain lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by a fever, you should call your doctor’s office to have them examine your child’s ear.
Important Information about Antibiotics
If your child is prescribed antibiotics, it is important to complete the full course (often 7-10 days). Antibiotics can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in some children, but bland/binding foods and a probiotic may help. If you do give your child a probiotic, be sure it is given at least two hours before or after the antibiotic.
Other Factors Contributing to Ear Infection Occurrence
Although ear infections are typically seen after an illness, there are other factors that can lead to their occurrence. Exposure to secondhand smoke, seasonal allergies, or larger than normal adenoids can all lead to inflammation and blockage of the eustachian tubes as well.
Will My Child Need Ear Tubes?
If your child experiences frequent ear infections, their doctor may discuss ear tubes as an option. Ear tubes are placed surgically and give fluid buildup caused by illness or other factors an easy way to exit the ear, reducing the need for oral antibiotics. However, with appropriate antibiotic use and symptom management, even frequent ear infections will not necessarily lead to surgical intervention.
If you are concerned that your child may have an ear infection or are worried about the frequency with which infections are occurring, please give the office a call. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2024!
Sources:
Ear Infections in Children: Information for Parents – HealthyChildren.org
Ear infection (middle ear) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
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