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About Earache
Hold the bubblegum-pink antibiotics. In most cases, the best Rx for a childhood ear infection is to simply let it run its course—experts know that, but parents often panic. After all, having a wailing two-year-old on your hands at 3 in the morning is not easy. But stop fretting. Terrible as they may seem when you see your child in pain; ear infections are fairly common, easily treatable, and eminently preventable.
Mathew, also a member of the British Association of Pediatric Otolaryngology, holds the common cold as the biggest culprit for childhood ear infections. During a cold, the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose could get blocked, resulting in a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. This could lead to infection, and cause pain and swelling (Acute Otitis Media). If the fluid is not cleared soon, the infection could get aggravated. Doctors say that the adenoid or third tonsil behind the nose is a classic reservoir for bacteria. It increases in size between ages 8 to 12. Moreover, fluid from nearby tissues could fill up the space, creating infection that can cause hearing impairment as well. Thankfully, the adenoid begins to shrink at puberty and becomes less of a problem.
Monitor your child
Doctors say that a lot of parents are not aware enough about ear infections and how to deal with them. This awareness is even lower amongst lower socio-economic populations. Poor hygiene and delayed medical treatment complicates matters. It’s best to see your pediatrician or an ENT specialist if the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
Spot the signs
If your child is irritable or cranky, cries and pulls at the ear or complains of pain in that area, it could mean she has an ear infection. Be extra vigilant especially during winters or when the child has a cold, as that makes her more susceptible to an ear infection. If you find any discharge from the ears or notice any kind of hearing impairment, seek medical help without delay.
Dos and Don’ts
* Protecting your school-going child from catching a cold is not easy. But try your best by keeping her well covered and warm during the cold season
* Make sure she eats healthy. A balanced diet means better immunity and fewer chances of any kind of infection, including ear infection
* Never use cotton buds to clean the ear canal. Ear skin has the unique property of expelling whatever dirt there is on its own. Using a bud could actually push the dirt further in.
* Avoid soap; use plain, clean water to wash the ear.
* Breastfeed if possible Human milk has immune-boosting and anti-bacterial effects that lower the risk of respiratory tract and ear infections. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, make sure you sit your baby upright so that the milk stays out of her Eustachian tubes.
* Limit pacifier time Excessive sucking in young children may interfere with drainage of fluid in the middle ear.
* Cut second-hand smoke Exposure to smoke makes the Eustachian tubes swell, which prevents them from draining properly and provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Tiny hair in the nose called cilia let the mucous move backwards. But when a child inhales second-hand smoke, the cilia get damaged and the mucosal movement is hampered. This could lead to effusion and infection in the ear.
Do it yourself
Monitor your child and see a pediatrician if symptoms persist
If your child complains of ear ache use a mild painkiller. Doctors usually recommend Paracetamol (Crocin). These drugs are safe for children and can be given to relieve pain. Saline nose drops such as Nasivion also helps. These can be safely given at home in the first 24 to 48 hours.
See a doctor
Before you call the doctor, pay attention to whether your child is eating and drinking normally, note her energy level, and check her temperature. This wait-and-watch approach works well for children with no severe ear infections. Many a time, the infection subsides on its own. But if the pain persists and there’s high fever, it indicates severe infection; in which case antibiotics may be needed. Self-administration of antibiotics for ear infections or any infection for that matter) is a bad idea. See a doctor.
Case for surgery
About 10 to 15% of repeated ear infections require surgery. Surgery is performed either to drain out fluid or to put a ventilation tube in the ear or to remove the adenoid. Ear drum related complicated surgical procedures are best tackled after the age of eight when the risk of repeated ear infection is lower.