Ear Infections in Children

Middle ear infection in children is a dreadfully widespread problem experienced by children. Even infants under two years possibly will meet this problem. Infection in the ear is brought on by germs and viruses. They go into the human body and develop to cause infection, upsetting the normal functioning of the body. Likewise, germs can enter the ears. Depending on the locality of infection, the infections are named. The human ear can be separated into the inner part, middle part and outer part. Once the outer ear is contaminated by microorganisms, the infection is recognized as swimmer’s ear. When the inner part of the ear gets infected, it is called middle ear infection. The germs infect the centre portion of the ear and block up that area with pus or a yellow gooey liquid. This liquid has cells which combat germs. The middle part of the ear is designed in the form of a very small air pocket. It is situated at the back of the eardrum. And when the pus begins to fill up in this spot, the ear feels like a filled balloon which is on the brink of popping. This feeling is truly painful.

The throat is coupled to the middle portion of the ear through a channel known as Eustachian tube furthermore in reality middle portions of both the ears are linked to the throat via two Eustachian tubes. The task of these tubes is to permit the free movement of air, from the middle ear, in and out direction. Infants less than three years have less developed and smaller Eustachian tubes and consequently are less able of keeping germs entirely out of the middle ear. As the youngster grows, so do the Eustachian tubes and the more capable they are of keeping microorganisms outside, but they still face a little problem.

Usually children, who have allergic problems and catch cold very regularly, are more prone to get ear infections. As soon as the youngster gets cold, the Eustachian tube will get obstructed which permit germs to get into the middle ear. And the germs which get entry, multiply quickly resulting in a middle ear infection.

The child gets a fever along with the ear ache. Some even find it hard to hear because of the blockage. Middle ear infection is not communicable, but the cold caught from other people can in time result in an ear infection. The earlier the doctor is contacted, the better for the child and the rest of the family members. The doctor will check the ear with the aid of an otoscope. It is a unique flashlight which makes the eardrum observable. The eardrum is a fine membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear. The otoscope can additionally be used to waft a puff of air into the ear. This determines whether or not the ear drum is working normally and is moving in a healthy way or not. Because of the puss formation due to the infection, the fluid will push against the ear drum and could even make it to bulge. Also, the eardrum can turn red because of the illness.

The doctor will prescribe a pain reliever to be taken for the next two days. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the infection is caused because of bacteria, which will stop the infection inside a few days. Incase, the doctor recommends an antibiotic, the cycle must be finished as told by the doctor, otherwise there can be a chance of re-infection. Few kids who get ear infections often will have to undergo other assessments such as tympanogram and audiogram.

Children are able to take some measures to avoid ear infection. They have to wash their hands frequently. They must stay away from people who are infected with cold. And if they do come close to or in contact with an infected person, they should wash their hands as well as must not touch their eyes or nose. Parents, who smoke, ought to not do it near the child as the tobacco smoke can be responsible for the not working of the Eustachian tube.