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If you have ever flown with a slight cold and a blocked nose, you can likely imagine the pain and discomfort that a baby with an ear infection experiences. The difference is that adults have a higher pain threshold, and the discomfort lasts no more than 10-15 minutes until the pressure in the ears normalizes. In contrast, ear infections in children cause persistent discomfort, are difficult to diagnose due to their general symptoms, and pose risks that all parents should be aware of.
What is Otitis Media?
Otitis media is the medical term for inflammation of the middle ear. Statistics show that it is the second most common childhood illness after upper respiratory tract infections. While adults are not immune, around 15-20% of infants and toddlers up to three years old are affected. The disease is most prevalent between six months and three years, as well as in preschool-aged children attending daycare or kindergarten.
In about 20-30% of cases, viruses (such as flu and adenoviruses) are responsible, while 70-80% of cases are caused by bacteria. The most common bacterial culprits are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, which usually require antibiotic treatment.
Why Do Children Develop Ear Infections?
The first major cause is the underdeveloped immune system of young children. During the first year of life, infants encounter many new viruses and bacteria without having built-up defenses against them, leading to frequent infections.
The second reason is physiological: the structure of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, is different in children. It is shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making it easier for infections from the upper respiratory tract to spread to the ear. Thus, a sore throat, runny nose, or inflamed tonsils can significantly increase the risk of ear infections.
How to Recognize an Ear Infection
Otitis media in infants and young children is difficult to diagnose due to general symptoms. Since babies cannot express their discomfort verbally, parents must observe their behavior closely.
Signs of an ear infection include:
- Persistent crying and irritability
- Tugging or rubbing the ear
- Loss of appetite or difficulty feeding
- Restlessness and trouble sleeping
- Mild fever due to inflammation
- Temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the ear
Older children can usually indicate their ear pain, making diagnosis easier. In severe cases, children may become irritable, have disturbed sleep, develop a fever, or even vomit due to inner ear involvement affecting balance.
When to Be Cautious
Several factors increase the risk of otitis media in children:
- Daycare and kindergarten: Exposure to multiple children increases the chances of infections.
- Enlarged adenoids: Frequent throat infections and inflamed adenoids can lead to ear infections because of the short Eustachian tube.
- Hearing problems: Chronic ear infections can impact hearing by affecting the auditory nerve. Repeated infections may lead to long-term hearing impairment, potentially delaying speech development.
- Avoid Overusing Antibiotics
At the first sign of symptoms, parents should consult a doctor instead of self-medicating with antibiotics. Mild cases often do not require antibiotics and can be treated with nasal rinses, ear drops, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, bacterial infections with pus in the middle ear may require antibiotic therapy. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to drain accumulated pus.
Preventive Measures
Keep the nose clear: Regular nasal rinses help prevent infections from spreading to the ears.
Be cautious with swimming: Water in the ear can dilute protective earwax, allowing bacteria to enter. Using earplugs and limiting water exposure can reduce this risk.
Proper prevention and timely medical intervention can help minimize the risks of otitis media and protect children's hearing.
