Ear diseases or infections are usually caused by bacteria, heading to a fluid buildup in the ear behind the eardrum. After cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed disease in kids. There are three main types of ear infections scientifically:
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME)
Ear Infection Causes:
The ear is formed of 3 parts – outer, middle and inner ear. Ear infections occur in the middle ear. To work properly, the middle ear should have the same requirements as the outside world. The Eustachian tube assures this. This tube is a tiny passage that combines the middle ear to the back of the throat right behind the nose. The Eustachian tube also grants the drainage of mucus from the middle ear into the throat.
At times during a cold or an allergy, the Eustachian tube gets blocked by blockage in its lining or by mucous deposit. The blockage then leads to fluid getting collected within the middle ear and this becomes a breeding area for bacteria or germs.
Ear infection Symptoms:
The main and common symptom is pain in the ear. Many times the pain will be connected with fever.
A child may stretch or rub the ear but infants can't tell where the pain is coming from and hence just cries and if they feel uncomfortable we can be able to know. In certain types of infections, there will be no signs at all and the doctor will be able to see the liquid behind the eardrum with a special tool.
How to identify ear infection in Children:
1. Crying and being fussy
2. Pulling or rubbing the ear frequently
3. Trouble sleeping
4. Fever
5. Fluid drainage from the ear when infections get severe
Ear infection Treatment:
Doctors usually examine the child's health and ask several questions to get the problem. If an ear infection is confirmed, they might prescribe for a medicine. Pain in the ear can be due to other reasons as well, hence if they are not sure about an infection they will ask to wait for a couple of days before starting medicines. Medicines (Antibiotics) for an ear infection should be taken exactly as directed. Usually, within a few days, the child will feel better. If the problem continues for many days, you should get in touch with your child's ENT specialist.
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ENT Specialist in Pune- Dr. Madhavi Nachane
RandomEar Infections in Children Ear diseases or infections are usually caused by bacteria, heading to a fluid buildup in the ear behind the eardrum.