Ear infections are common among children especially during summer and monsoon season. They usually occur due to bacterial infection after your child has a cold, sore throat, or any other respiratory infection.
If your child is experiencing ear infections here are few things you must know to help them get the best possible treatment for the ear infection.
What triggers ear infections?
The most typical type of middle ear infection or inflammation and bacterial infection. The medical name of ear infection is otitis media which lasts for short duration, yet can be painful. Otitis Media or ear infection is often seen in babies and young children.
The infection occurs due to build up fluid behind the eardrum when the Eustachian tube is blocked. The Eustachian tube connects the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. Blocked fluid is a root cause in the ear bacterial growth. Also, children have weak immunity systems making them highly prone to infection. These are the following factors to the ear infection development:
- Cold and sinus infection
- Allergy
- Mucus
- Saliva buildup
- Infected adenoids
Symptoms of ear infection in children
Babies and young children of age 1 to 6 years may not be able to tell you if they are suffering from ear pain. But there are few signs to look for which will guide you towards understanding if your child is having ear infection.
- Consistently rubbing or touching ears
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Restless sleep
- Irritability and frequently crying
These signs typically pop up 2 to 7 days after the start of infection. It is important for parents to take their child to a doctor seeking immediate medical treatment.
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Treatment for ear infections
Majority of ear infections can be cured without treatment. However, you must visit a child pediatric ENT to determine the infection and get possible treatment. In some cases, your doctor may suggest you watch and see an approach along with a pain reliever to help the child ease the pain while some doctors may prescribe antibiotics.
Some immediate home remedies to reduce ear pain in children are:
- Place warm compress over the ear
- Encourage maximum body rest to help it fight infection
- Intake plenty of fluids
If your child experiences ear infection for more than three day then your doctor prescribes antibiotics. If the fever lasts three to four day then your child is showing no signs of drinking or eating, then they might need immediate treatment.
After taking two to three days of antibiotics, kids generally feel better. If no and the child still has fever, then the doctor may suggest stronger antibiotics.
Final Takeaway
And if you notice blood drainage or pus in the ear then consult with your doctors immediately. These may be indications of a ruptured eardrum.
Ear pain can be painful for children especially when they cannot speak about it. Thus, it is important to check for the symptoms for ear infection in children and get early treatment.
