How often do we hear that kids start to develop ear infection once they are admitted to a playgroup or a school? In fact, this is very common in the preschool age. Your child might return home cranky, pulling his ear and developing cold symptoms. Kids are more likely to develop ear infections because their Eustachian tube is shorter and horizontal. It becomes congested once your child has a cold or an allergy. This congestion allows fluid built up. Viruses and bacteria that enter the ear will find their favorite environment to grow and multiply leading to ear infections.
What are the symptoms of ear infection?
Ear pain
Sleep disorder
Cranky and irritable
Headache
High fever
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of hearing
Drainage from the ear
What is the treatment?
Surgical treatment: Your doctor may advice in case of repetitive ear infections a surgical solution which is done under anesthesia. It consists of inserting a small tube into the child eardrum to release the pressure due to the fluid and ventilate the inner ear. This procedure is still controversial and some doctors still don’t believe in its necessity.
Medical treatment: The doctor will administer a pain killer and antibiotics in case your child has high fever.
How to prevent ear infection?
Breastfeeding is a natural way to prevent early ear infections.
If your child is having repetitive ear infections, your will have to reduce his exposure to a large group of kids because cold and flu viruses might lead to ear infections.
Keep your child from any smoking area.
Always wash your hands and encourage your child to wash his hands. This technique would decrease the risk of contamination from a person to another.
Ear infections are not contagious, but cold and flu may lead to it. It should not be left untreated. It may lead to hearing problems. Always contact your doctor before administering any medication to your child.