Otitis media, otherwise known as middle ear infection, is swelling or inflammation found inside the inner ear. Otitis media generally occurs due to a cold, sore mouth, or bacterial infection. While most children can acquire a cold or sore throat from exposure to another child, the following could increase your children's risk of contracting ear infections:
When left untreated, the symptoms of ear infection could continue for years and lead to more complications. But with early detection and treatment, you can reduce the risk of your children developing ear infection or even get rid of it.
Children with a middle ear infection often experience pain when opening their eyes. This discomfort is usually worse at night. If you notice pain while your child is awake, seek immediate medical attention. While these symptoms are normal in infants and young children, there is also the potential for serious complications such as meningitis or pneumonia.
When your child has a middle ear infection, a cold or sore throat may occur. If your child has a fever or chills on the same day the symptoms appear, you should take them to the hospital immediately.
If you notice your little one has puffy ears and / or bleeding from the ears after having a cold or sore throat for more than a few hours, then they may have otitis media or a fungal ear infection. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
If your toddler has otitis media or a fungal ear infection, he or she may develop fever and vomiting, as well as loss of appetite, weight loss, increased salivation, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms can also accompany other signs of serious health problems, such as dehydration, which can lead to low body temperature and dehydration. You should contact your pediatrician immediately.
The most common symptoms of otitis media or a fungal ear infection include the following: ear pain, pressure in the ears, discharge, and fever. Other symptoms include pain or soreness while standing, ear pain when sitting, and noise. However, in most cases, symptoms can be mild to moderate.
An ear infection or otitis media is not contagious. So, if your child has an ear infection, don't worry too much about it, because it is caused by bacteria or a virus. If you think this is serious, you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
If you notice any symptoms that you feel could signal otitis or ear infection, you should seek medical attention right away. If left ignored, these symptoms could progress to other more serious complications. When you notice any of the following symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor: swelling, redness, fever, sore throat or earache, headache, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, bad taste in mouth, fever or chills, and vomiting.
Common causes of ear infections are strep throat or ear yeast. Common causes of ear fungal infection are Streptococcus pneumoniae or Toxoplasmosis. If left untreated, these infections could lead to permanent deafness.
You can treat otitis by wearing ear plugs or in some cases with antibiotics. decongestants or antibacterial ointments. You could also wear masking to reduce the risk of dust and dirt entering your child's ear.
Otitis Media is often treated by anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone, corticosteroids, and steroids. Oral decongestants or antibiotics may be prescribed to help relieve the inflammation.
Some children who suffer from otitis media or ear fungal infection require surgery. However, surgery is rarely recommended.
In addition to proper treatment, there are several steps parents and caregivers can take to prevent the recurrence of this condition. It is important for parents to understand what to do if their child is diagnosed with otitis. A visit to the doctor is essential for parents to know the diagnosis and possible treatment options. It is also crucial for parents to have information on prevention.
Ear cleaning is essential to protect your child's ears. Cleaning can help remove food particles, earwax, and foreign objects. Parents can also encourage proper ear hygiene by keeping children in a clean environment with proper child care. Toys and other devices should be cleaned at least twice daily.
It is recommended that children should have their ears cleaned at least once a year. and the frequency can vary according to the severity of the condition. In most cases, otitis will go away on its own, but it is important to note that if otitis persists, you should always consult your pediatrician.