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Ear Infection
Ear Infection & Kids Go Hand in Hand:
It’s quite difficult if not nearly impossible to escape childhood without one ear
infection. Yet, when you realize the anatomy of the child’s ear it makes more sense
as to why they are more predisposed than older children and adults.
The eustachian tube plays an important role in the anatomy of the ear. It serves to
equalize the pressure on both side of the ear drum. In a small child’s ear the
eustachian tube is anatomically different from an adult. It is shorter, wider and set more
evenly with the throat. The adult’s is thinner and longer and point downward. What
does this mean? Well, it means that bacteria from the nose and throat can get into the
middle ear a lot easier. In an adult’s ear the bacteria have to literally move
“uphill” which is more difficult.
As well, the eustachian tube serves to open and close to drain any fluids that accumulate
in the middle ear. Unfortunately, a small child’s eustachian tube is still immature
and may not open and close as efficiently as is should. So, when your child has a cold or
an allergy and their nose is stuffy or runny the same “stuff” that is in their
nose is behind their ears as well. If the eustachian tube does not drain the fluid out
then it remains trapped. Anytime there is trapped fluid anywhere in the body you are
predisposed to infection.
Signs and symptoms of an ear infection are:
Pain
Crankiness
Sleeplessness
And sometimes: fever, runny nose and/or increased temperature.
If you suspect that your child has an infection you need to see a pediatrician so that
he/she may assess the child. Once a diagnosis has been made the usual course of treatment
is an oral antibiotic for 10 days. It is important to follow the directions. Often times
parents see the child improve and fail to complete the medication period only to be back a
week or so later with another ear infection. As well, follow up with your health care
provider to assure that indeed the infection is gone. Sometimes ear drops to help re-leave
pain will also be prescribed to help re-leave any significant discomfort that your chide
may be in.
Middle ear infections aren’t the only problems children encounter and now with summer
you may find “swimmer’s ear” in the rise. Swimmers ear can be caused by
aggressively cleaning or improperly cleaning the ear with a cotton swab or swimming. What
happens during both of these is that the ear wax is removed either by the swab or the
water. Ear wax serves to maintain the Ph in the ear. Once removed the ph is altered thus
allowing organism growth. Common signs & symptoms of swimmers ear are:
Pain or sensitivity to the ear itself
Decrease in hearing
Feeling of fullness in the ear
Low grade temp
Discharge from the ear.
Usual course of treatment for this is an antibiotic, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory
medication. There are some things that you can do to help prevent this from occurring. You
can use ear plugs when your child swims. Speed makes florescent colored plugs which are
nice in that you won’t forget to take them out! Ear guards are also available. They
are like head bands, but they are placed over the ears and are used along with ear plugs.
Ear drops are also available that are made specifically to prevent swimmer’s ear.
Keep in mind however that if you are showing signs and symptoms of swimmers ear that you
can no longer use the drops. The drops will not make the infection go away. You must seek
medical attention. If you are considering using any of these products it is recommended
that you consult with your pediatrician or other health care provider to assure that these
products are appropriate for your child and the age of your child.
This article is intended to provide general information only and is
not intended to be a substitute for qualified health care advice. Because individual
health care requirements vary, do not follow the information contained in this article
without personally consulting with a qualified health care professional. Specific concerns
and questions about a condition should be directed to a personal/professional health care
provider. Infodiary.Com is not engaged in rendering medical or any other health care
advice. Infodiary.Com disclaims any liability, loss or risk personal or otherwise, which
is incurred as a consequence , directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any
of the contents of this article.
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