There is no small child who has not complained of pain in the ears. It can be from mild discomfort to strong, unbearable, accompanied by high fever.
The reason that inflammation of the ears (otitis) is “prefers” early age lies in the anatomical features of young children – a short and wide Eustachian tube (the connection between the ear and the nasopharynx), frequent runny noses and infections of the upper respiratory tract. Thus, the infection from the nose and throat easily passes to the ear.
Acute inflammation is usually treated without consequences for the child, even if it is not always necessary to give an antibiotic. It must be taken in case of purulent otitis, which occurs with high temperature, severe general condition, leakage of secretion from the ear. Chronic otitis is also dangerous. With it, fluid is retained in the middle ear, and hearing decreases without pain and temperature. If you notice that the child is distracted, does not listen to you, this may not be a whim but signs of reduced hearing. Seek a specialist for consultation.
How to relieve ear pain quickly?
Often otitis develops suddenly and at night. The child’s suffering is great, and he should be helped immediately before taking him to a doctor. First, give the patient ibuprofen or paracetamol and then put ear drops. They are placed in the following way: the vial with drops is warmed in the hand in advance because cold drops will intensify the pain in the ears.
Older children easily refer to the diagnosis. They are able to point out where it hurts. This is not the case with babies; the symptoms of an inflamed ear can be restlessness, loud crying, fever, vomiting.
Ear infections in children are most often caused by viruses but also by bacteria and fungi.
The child is placed to lie on the side of the healthy ear. The auricle of the affected ear is slightly pulled back and up so that the drops reach the eardrum easily, and 3-4 drops are instilled into the ear.
The child should lie in this position for a few minutes so that the fluid drains into the ear canal and covers the eardrum. After that, a cotton swab is placed in the ear, and if necessary, the manipulation is repeated with the other ear. Then put a warm towel or heating pad on the problem ear; the heat soothes the pain.
If the nostril is blocked, flush with saline and apply unblocking drops or spray. After the child has calmed down, take him to the doctor, who will assess whether the infection is bacterial or viral or whether an antibiotic is needed.
The most important thing is to protect children from ear infections. As with all diseases, breastfeeding at least until 6 months of age plays a big role here. From breast milk, the child’s body receives antibodies to fight infections, and breastfeeding itself requires a lot of physical effort, which helps to drain the Eustachian tubes.
When the child has a runny nose, the nose should be regularly cleaned so that the infection does not pass to the ears. The most harmless means for this is saline solution. Drops are also placed in the nose depending on the age.
If the child often has otitis, it is better to stop him from nursery during the winter months. Children suffering from respiratory allergies (allergic runny nose, allergic sinusitis) must be treated adequately so that the infection does not pass to the ears.
