Ear infections in children-otitis media

Ear infections are common in infants and children. Infection and inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) usually follows an upper respiratory infection. The throat communicates with the middle ear through a small tube called eustachian tube.

Hence infection can spread through this tube from the nose and throat into the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is quite short in infants and is also straighter. Hence middle ear infection is more common is small children. For more details on the structure and function of the ear click here.

Clinical features: After a short period of cough cold with or without fever the child will experience pain in the affected ear. Babies go on crying continuously. If not diagnosed and treated properly pus will form in the middle ear cavity and the increasing pressure will result in perforation of the ear drum and discharge of pus from the ear. Fever is common.

Diagnosis: If the affected ear is examined the ear drum appears red and bulging. The condition should be suspected whenever a baby suffering from cough or cold goes or crying continuously.

Treatment: As soon as a diagnosis is made a suitable antibiotic should be started.

Fever may be controlled with paracetamol. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain. Medicines to reduce congestion of airways help is opening up of Eustachian tube and reduction in pressure inside middle ear. Nasal drops can also be used to reduce congestion.

Ear drops may not be of much help.

If the ear drum is ruptured resulting is discharge of pus from the ear should be cleaned and kept dry. Once the infection is properly treated the ear drum heals.

Complications: The infection can spread to adjacent bone causing bone infection (mastoiditis). Meningitis in another possible complication. Recurrent attacks of otitis media can cause hearing loss.

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