According to KidsHealth, an ear infection is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. More than three out of four children will have had at least one ear infection by the time they reach 3 years of age. If your child is showing signs of an ear problem, contact your doctor to determine the treatment needed for your child.
Types
A middle ear infection is due to an inflammation in the middle ear, also known as acute otitis media. The inflammation is due to fluid or pus in the middle ear which can cause pain, redness of the eardrum and sometimes fever. Chronic otitis is when your child has fluid in the middle ear for more than six weeks, and otitis media with effusion is temporary fluid in the middle ear that is not necessarily infected. Swimmer's ear is another common ear problem in children. Also known as otitis externa, swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal due to bacteria or fungi in the ear.
Causes
Children tend to develop ear infections more often in the first two to four years of life because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than older children, which allows viruses and bacteria to sit in the middle ear. Also, children's adenoids are large and can interfere with the opening of the eustachian tubes. According to KidsHealth, ear infections are more common in boys than in girls and in children whose families have a history of ear infections. Ear infections are not contagious but the cold that leads to the infection can be. Swimmer's ear occurs often in children who swim a lot. The moisture in the ear can break down the skin in the ear canal, thus allowing bacteria or fungi to penetrate the skin. Although this problem is most commonly caused by swimming, it can occur from anything that causes a break in the skin, such as dry skin or eczema, scratching the ear canal or inserting foreign objects into the ear.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute otitis media include ear pain, which an older child may complain of; a younger child may tug at the ear or cry more than usual. Painful pressure when your child is lying down, sucking or chewing is another symptom of acute otitis media. The eardrum may even rupture if the fluid buildup pressure is high enough. When the eardrum ruptures, you may see fluid draining from the ear, bringing relief from the pain. Your child may also have hearing difficulties during an ear infection due to fluid buildup in the middle ear that can block sound. Other symptoms include fever, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. Otitis media with effusion usually has no symptoms, but may create a feeling of ear fullness or a popping sensation. Ear pain is the primary symptom of swimmer's ear. This pain typically gets worse when the outer part of the ear is pulled or pressed on.
Treatment
Without any specific treatment, middle ear infections will often go away on their own within two to three days. Some doctors may prescribe an antibiotic to be taken over a 10-day period. For children over 6 years old with a mild to moderate infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for five to seven days. Even after antibiotic treatment, fluid may remain in the middle ear for several months. You can reduce the discomfort of an ear infection with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever as needed. Some children with persistent ear infections may need ear tube surgery to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear. Most doctors will prescribe an antibiotic ear drop to fight the infection of swimmer's ear. This drop is usually given several times a day for seven to 10 days.
Prevention
Since most ear infections are the result of a virus or a cold, your child should wash his hands regularly and avoid other sick children. Avoiding secondhand smoke and keeping your child's immunizations up to date will also help to prevent ear infections. To prevent swimmer's ear, use an over-the-counter solution of acetic acid or alcohol after swimming to dry out the water in the ear.
