Little ears hurting

Although ear infection is common in children, some parents panic when their children are diagnosed with the problem. Ear infection normally occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear and the nose does not effectively drain extra fluid from the middle ear; sometimes due to a swelling in the nose.

This causes pain, fever and irritability to your baby. It affects mostly children who are three years and below.

The earlier your child has a first infection, the more susceptible they are to recurrent episodes. Boys are most likely to have the infection than girls.

The good news is that as your child grows, their ears structures enlarge and their immune systems become stronger thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

Types

Your child may suffer from two main types of ear infection; the outer ear infection or the middle ear infection. The middle ear infection may occur a week or two following an upper respiratory tract infection, which is said to cause inflammation and fluid build up behind the ear drum. This fluid may be infected with bacteria, causing pain, fever and irritability. On the other hand, outer ear infections usually occur when your child gets water in his ears. This may lead to inflammation and hence infection.

Causes

Your child’s ear infection could be due to a combination of factors that may have increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Bacteria thrive in nose and throat passages. Some viruses also play a significant role in your child’s ear infection. For example, rhinovirus (a virus that causes colds) plays a leading role in the development of ear infection. The virus responsible for childhood respiratory infection and influence can cause ear infection,’ says Dr. Vincent Ogutu, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. ‘Your child could also be exposed to ear infection as a result of medical or physical conditions that may reduce defence systems.’

Symptoms

Pain or discomfort in the ear is the earliest symptom that your child is experiencing ear infection. This can make your child refuse to swallow food. Sometimes your child may be irritable, cough and breath with difficulty, have fever, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or vomiting, among others.

If the infection is severe, you may notice pus draining from the ear. ‘During the doctor’s examination, the ear drum will look red and bulgy. Since there are other conditions that can make an ear drum red, it is important that your paediatrician checks the mobility of the ear drum,’ says Dr. Ogutu.

Home remedies

In case your child has had previous attacks, give them the prescribed medicine, which will most likely be antibiotics. Carefully monitor your child’s condition.

If they do not respond to the antibiotics, contact your doctor. Other home remedies include pressing a warm bottle of water against the ear.

Treatment

If the home remedies do not work, call the doctor immediately. After examining your baby, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection, and pain relievers. Ensure that your child completes the entire dose of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.

Other treatments include puncturing the ear drum with a needle to drain some of the fluid and pus behind the ear drum. This relieves your child’s pain as well allowing the fluid to be tested to determine the cause of the infection.

See an ENT specialist if your baby has had 4-6 attacks in one year. Other reasons for referral may include hearing loss or very painful infections.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ear infection is to prevent colds and flu, says Dr. Ogutu. This is best achieved by exercising good hygiene. Always ensure everyone washes their hands before eating, and when they want to carry or play with your child. Ensure that you protect your children from flu either through a vaccine or proper hygiene. You may also want to consider the following preventive measures:

Preventive antibiotics -recommended for especially children with recurrent ear infections

Healthy diet – ensure your daily diet is balanced. Include lots of fresh, dark coloured fruits and vegetables to help boost your child’s immunity

Avoid exposing your children to cigarette smoke

Breast feed your children for at least six months to protect them against early infections that include ear infections. Studies have shown that a mother’s milk provides immune factors that help protect the child from infection.

When breast-feeding, hold your child in a position that allows the tube that drains fluid from the ear to function well.

Have your children use disposable tissues when blowing their nose. Use the tissue only once.

Teach them to cover their mouth when coughing

Discourage your children from sharing toys or wash them in hot, soapy water before children play with them.

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