An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, that is usually caused by a bacteria, which occurs when fluid builds up behind the ear drum. It is also called, Otitis media. It is the most common childhood disease other than a cold.
There are 3 main types of ear infections, each has a different combination of symptoms
- Acute otitis media is the most common. Some parts of the middle ear are infected and swollen and the fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. This causes an earache and the child might also have a fever
- Otitis media with effusion. It happens after an ear infection has run its course and fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum. A child may have no symptoms but the doctor would be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with a special instrument
- Chronic otitis media with effusion.It occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection. It makes it difficult for children to fight new infections and can affect their hearing too.
It is usually caused by a bacteria and often begins after a child has a sore throat, cold or other upper respiratory infection. If the upper respiratory infection is of bacteria origin, these same bacteria may spread to the middle ear but if the upper respiratory infection is caused by a virus such as cold, bacteria may still be drawn to the microbe-friendly environment and move into the middle ear as a secondary infection and because of this, fluid builds up behind the eardrum.
Signs to look out for…
Most middle ear infections happen to children before they have learned how to talk. So, here are a few signs you can look out for:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear(s)
- Fussiness and crying
- Fever(especially in infants and younger children)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Clumsiness or problems with balance
- Difficulty in hearing or responding to quiet sounds
- Ear pain
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Risk factors include:
- Age: Infants and young children ( between 6months of age and 2years) are at more risk for ear infections
- Family history
- Allergies
- Colds
- Chronic illnesses especially patients with immune deficiency and chronic respiratory disease, such as cystic fibrosis and asthma
Why are children more likely to get ear infections than adults?...
- Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it very hard for fluid to drain out of the ear, even in normal conditions.( The Eustachian tubes is a small passageway that connects the upper part of the throat to the middle ear. It’s job is to supply fresh air to the middle ear, drain fluid, and keep air pressure at a steady level between the nose and the ear). If the Eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with the mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain.
- A child’s immune system isn’t as effective as an adult because it is developing. This makes it difficult for children to fight infections. As part of the immune system, the adenoids respond to bacteria going through the nose and mouth. Sometimes bacteria get trapped in the adenoids, causing a chronic infection that can then pass through to the eustachian tubes and the middle ear.( Adenoids are small pads of tissue that is located at the back of the nose, above the throat and near the eustachian tubes).
Dr. Favvy
Next topic: What Can I Do When My Child Has An Ear Infection
Connect with us on our Facebook page @My Paediatric Doctor via this link👇
https://www.facebook.com/My-Paediatric-Doctor-102747412585900/
Comments
Post a Comment