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Ear Infections in Children and Infants
from: Maxx Family LifeMiddle ear infection is a common problem with children including infants under two years of age. Infection in the ear is caused by germs and viruses that enter the body and grow, causing infection and affecting the normal functioning of the body. Germs can also enter the ears. The infections are named according to its location. The human ear is divided into the inner, middle and outer.
When the outer ear is infected by germs, the infection is called swimmer's ear. When the inner part of the ear is infected, it's called middle ear infection. Germs can infect the middle portion of the ear and fill that area with pus or a yellow gooey liquid. This liquid has cells that fight germs. The middle part of the ear is shaped in the form of a tiny air pocket and is located at the back of the eardrum. When the pus begins to fill in this area, the ear feels like a filled balloon on the verge of popping. This is really painful.
The throat is connected to the middle portion of the ear through a channel known as the Eustachian tube and in fact middle portions of both the ears are connected to the throat by two Eustachian tubes. The job of these tubes is to allow the free movement of air, from the middle ear, in and out direction.
Infants under the age of three have less developed and smaller Eustachian tubes, which means they're less able to keep germs completely out of the middle ear. As a child grows, so do the Eustachian tubes and the more able they are of keeping germs outside -- but they still have to deal with some problem.
Usually kids, who have allergic problems and catch cold frequently, are more prone to get ear infections. When a child gets cold, the Eustachian tube gets obstructed, allowing germs to get into the middle ear. The germs that gain entry, multiply rapidly resulting in a middle ear infection.
A child will get a fever in addition to ear pain, with some even finding it difficult to hear due to blockage. Middle ear infection isn't contagious, but a cold caught from others can eventually result in an ear infection. The sooner the doctor is contacted, the better for the child and the rest of the family. A doctor can check the ear with the help of an otoscope.
This is a special flashlight that makes the eardrum visible. The eardrum is a thin membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear. The otoscope can also be used to blow a puff of air into the ear which determines whether the ear drum is functioning normally and is moving in a healthy way or not. Due to the puss formation from the infection, the fluid will press against the ear drum and may even make it to bulge. The eardrum could also turn red from the infection.
A doctor can 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 should end the infection within a couple of days. If your doctor recommends an antibiotic, the cycle must be completed as prescribed by the doctor, otherwise there can be a possibility of re-infection. Few children who get ear infections will often have to undergo other tests, such as tympanogram and audiogram.
Children can take measures to avoid ear infections, starting with washing their hands regularly. They should also stay away from people who have a cold. If they should come in contact with an infected person, they should wash their hands and not touch their eyes or nose. Parents, who smoke, shouldn't do so near their kids since tobacco smoke might be responsible for the malfunctioning of the Eustachian tube.
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