Middle ear infections in children

Middle ear infections in children are very common and cause great discomfort for both the child and parents. Eardoc device is designed for effectively and naturally treating ear infections in children and relieving pain instantly.

Ear infections are the second most common childhood illnesses.

By the age of 10, as many of 80% of children experience at least one ear infection or more. Most of them occur under the age of four. As many of 5% of children under the age of four, will experience hearing loss as a result of fluid buildup behind the eardrum for three months or longer.

Ear infections in children – poorly functioning of the Eustachian tubes

Ear infections in children are usually caused by poorly functioning of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tubes is a structure extending from the middle ear to the back of the throat and normally would allow popping our ear when we are on an airplane or going up an elevator.

When children are born, the tube may not be functioning well, but as the head grows the structure becomes more functional.In some children, that functioning is delayed over time and that’s the group that usually suffers from acute otitis media. When the Eustachian tube doesn’t function properly, negative pressure occurs in the middle ear resulting fluid accumulation.
Collection of fluid behind the eardrum often develops after a viral respiratory tract infection or due to seasonal allergies. Inflammation in the draining tubes of the ear, or the Eustachian tubes, blocks drainage of this fluid and bacteria can contaminate the area. Fluid and pus fill the area and push on the eardrum from the inside causing pain.
In otitis media with effusion, fluid and mucus continue to accumulate in the middle ear even after the initial infection subsides. The child may experience a feeling of fullness in the ear and loss of hearing.

Ear infections in children - Symptoms

The symptoms of ear infections in children are pain, fever and decreased hearing in the affected ear. Most cases of otitis media will resolve without treatment, however, due to concerns about complications and the child’s discomfort, antibiotics are commonly prescribed.

Risk factors of recurrent ear infections in children

• Second hand smoking presents a higher risk for middle ear infection
• Daycare
• Breast or bottle feeding
• Lack of moisture in the ear – which reduces ventilation in the ear

What are the ear infection symptoms that might prompt parents to call a hearing specialist?

When children are having problem with hearing loss or speech delay which may occur as result of the fact that they may not even hear the words properly, thus not being able to express them   – is when parents should get a hold of an ear specialist.
When the fluid persists, an ear tube may need to be inserted in the ear drum.
If treatment is delayed or ignored, complications occur; such as perforation of the eardrum or destruction of the hearing bones.

Alternative treatments for ear infections in children (besides ear tube surgery)

The conventional approaches are watchful waiting and antibiotics. However, if that doesn’t work and fluid persists, tubes may need to be inserted. The main concern is if treatment is deferred or delayed. More complicated problems occur that result in more extensive treatment.

Antibiotics for treating ear infections in children

Ear infections in children are often caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics.

Antibiotics is the routine treatment for ear infections in children, however studies suggest they may not be the best medicine.These researches point that he best medicine might be no medicine. This requires a lot of patience of both the doctor and the parents to let it run its course. In fact, most ear infections in children are caused by viruses which don’t get treated by antibiotics.

Tips to treat middle ear infections in children:
• Appropriate management of cold, flu, sore throats and other allergies helps prevent middle ear infections.
• While breast or bottle feeding babies, avoid holding them in a horizontal position. A semi inclined position prevents the milk from entering the Eustachian tubes and infecting the middle ear.
• Avoid contact of the baby with objects handled by people who have a cold

Other articles which might interest you:
• Alternative treatment for ear infections
• Ear tube Surgery
• Ear infection symptoms