Protect children from ear infections

Carleene Grant-Davis, Child & Baby health

Middle ear infections or acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common bacterial illness in children and the one most commonly treated with antibiotics. They occur more commonly in the very young age group than middle childhood.

When an ear is infected, the Eustachian tube - the narrow passage connecting the middle ear (the small chamber behind the eardrum) to the back of the throat - becomes blocked. During healthy periods, this tube is filled with air and keeps the space behind the eardrum free of fluid; during a cold or other respiratory infection, or in children with allergies, this tube can become blocked, fluid begins to accumulate in the middle ear, and bacteria start to grow there.

As this occurs, pressure on the eardrum increases and it can no longer vibrate properly. Hearing is temporarily reduced, and at the same time the pressure on the eardrum can cause pain.

Children are more prone to ear infections for several reasons. The passages in their ears are narrower, shorter, and more horizontal than that of an adult. As a result, it's easier for germs to reach the middle ear and for fluid to get trapped there. And since the immune system is still not fully developed, once the infection takes hold, it's harder for a child's body to fight it than it is for a healthy adult's.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ear infection may be hard to detect. The most common symptom may be pulling or tugging at the ear. However, a child who constantly tugs or pulls at the ear could simply be exploring, or simply showing a self-soothing reflex.

Other symptoms can include:

More crying than usual, especially when lying down

Trouble sleeping or hearing

Fever or headache

Fluid coming out of the ear

Older children will complain of earache

Complications

Complications can arise in the younger age groups if not treated promptly. These include:

Meningitis (infection in the brain)

Sinusitis

Sepsis (infection in the blood)

Hearing loss

Treatment

In young children and in severe cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Analgesics may be needed for pain, as well as medicine for fever. In older children, medication for pain and fever may be all that is necessary.

Reducing the risks for ear infection

It is impossible to avoid every germ that's headed for our children, however, we can take steps to reduce the risks. These include:

Avoiding second-hand smoke exposure

Proper hygiene (use cups instead of bottles, wash hands frequently)

Breastfeeding

Giving them pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.

Dr Carleene Grant-Davis is a consultant paediatrician and head, Department of Paediatrics, Cornwall Regional Hospital; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com