Meanwhile, three-quarters of all children will experience ear problems at least once before the age of three.
Why Are Ear Infections So Common in Children?
Let’s take a look at the middle ear to understand why little ears often suffer from harmful microorganisms. The canal known as the Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear cavity and performs several very important functions: it helps equalize pressure, provides ventilation, and offers protection. However, it is in the nasopharynx that most bacteria find a nutrient-rich moist environment for reproduction. Since a child's Eustachian tube is short, wide, and horizontally positioned, mucus from the throat and nose, as well as any microorganisms in it, can easily reach the middle ear cavity. The child’s immune system is not yet fully developed, making it vulnerable—fighting off many unfamiliar bacteria takes longer. This is how otitis often develops in many young children.
Why Is It Important to Properly Treat Children's Ears?
Your child's hearing depends on the proper vibration of the eardrum and the condition of other components of the middle ear. Repeated infections can damage the eardrum, while fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavities negatively affects (dampens) the eardrum's vibration—ultimately, both hinder the child's normal hearing. This is why it is crucial to take otitis treatment seriously, especially when your child is learning to speak. Partial hearing loss can lead to speech development delays or even speech disorders, which later affect the child's speech habits and academic success.
How to Detect Otitis in a Baby?
Your little one probably won’t say, “Something unpleasant is happening in my ear, and it hurts. Please take me to the doctor!” However, early diagnosis of otitis and timely treatment will yield better results and help prevent complications.
Temperature. This is far from a mandatory symptom of otitis. A baby’s temperature can rise due to a respiratory infection. But if the temperature exceeds 37.5°C, be sure to consult your pediatrician. The need to see a pediatric otolaryngologist will be indicated by additional symptoms or a direct referral from your doctor.
Runny Nose. The most common cause of otitis development is a cold accompanied by a runny nose. The same mucus that is secreted from the child's nose can also enter the Eustachian tube. Typically, a child’s runny nose begins with intense production of clear liquid secretions by the nasal mucosa, but after a few days, it turns yellow-green and becomes thicker. At this stage, it is important to thoroughly rinse the baby's nose and remove the mucus (if the child cannot do this on their own, nasal aspirators should be used) to prevent the secretions from reaching the middle ear cavity.
Poor Sleep. If the child wakes up more frequently at night, cries, is fussy, or shows any other signs of pain, especially during a respiratory illness, this is also a worrying signal.
Unusual Behavior and General Discomfort. Parents may also notice other manifestations of otitis indicated by changes in the child's usual behavior and overall deterioration in well-being:
- Ear pain will cause the child to constantly touch their head and ear.
- The child’s hearing may deteriorate.
- The child may have difficulty falling asleep and experience restless sleep.
- Possible digestive disorders: ranging from decreased appetite and refusal to eat to vomiting and diarrhea.
However, otitis can typically be suspected when a child suddenly cries due to severe pain, especially when you touch their ears.
Should You See a Doctor if Otitis Is Suspected?
Usually, yes. It is very difficult to prescribe the correct treatment for otitis without a prior examination. The doctor must assess the condition of the eardrum, check the nose and throat, to determine the appropriate comprehensive therapy. Additionally, the doctor can advise you on how to prevent the development of inflammation in the ear in the future and which pain relievers can be used when your baby begins to have ear pain (which often happens in the middle of the night!).
In the case of a mild or moderate ear infection, full recovery can be achieved using local anti-inflammatory medications. In this case, it is important to closely monitor the child's condition to notice any worsening in time and strictly follow the recommendations of the otolaryngologist. If the situation does not improve within two to three days, or in the case of an acute course of otitis at the first visit, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy.
It is forbidden to treat your child with antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription! Antibiotics are prescribed only when other treatment methods may be ineffective. At the same time, the doctor considers the child's age and weight to correctly calculate the dosage and duration of the treatment course.
If the Child Pulls Their Ear—Are They Sick?
A child's habit of touching their ears does not necessarily indicate otitis. The child might simply be curious about exploring their ears, or they enjoy pulling on them, or they could be teething, which irritates the nerve endings and causes the child to tug at their ears. However, if the child’s increased interest in their ears is accompanied by crying, irritability, fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or a general cold, you should take this signal seriously. Often, attentive mothers’ instincts help them notice and recognize an ear infection in their child on time—especially when they already know what it is and how it can manifest.
How to Prevent Otitis in Babies?
Breastfeeding during the first year of life. Breast milk provides the child with natural immunity and contains antibodies that can reduce the risk of various infections, including ear infections. If you are bottle-feeding, keep the baby in an upright position (at least at a 30-degree incline) and hold them upright for a few minutes after feeding. Milk can enter the middle ear if the baby is fed lying down.
Avoid allergens. Irritation of the nasal mucosa due to allergens leads to excessive mucus production and swelling of the mucous membranes, which in turn causes fluid blockage in the middle ear cavities. Therefore, eliminate any allergens. Even if your child does not have allergies to certain triggers, pets, dust, and accumulation of soft toys in the crib should not be in the room where the child sleeps. Additionally, smoking in the presence of the child is strictly prohibited!
Avoid pacifiers. Studies have found a link between the frequency of pacifier use and otitis. Try to refrain from using the pacifier when the child is falling asleep and sleeping, especially if the baby is older than six months.
Boost Immunity. Provide your child with a rational and balanced diet, sufficient outdoor activity, and cultivate healthy habits to strengthen their immunity.
Get Vaccinations for Flu Prevention. Research shows that vaccinating your child against the flu reduces the risk of respiratory infections, which in turn lowers the risk of otitis.
Be Patient. The good news is that as your child grows, their Eustachian tubes will become longer and narrower, making it increasingly difficult for fluid to reach the middle ear cavity. In the meantime, your child's immune system will also become stronger, minimizing the risks of infection.
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