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When Your Child Gets an Ear Infection
from: Maxx Family LifeMiddle ear infections are quite common distresses affecting children. Even infants under two years may have to deal with this problem. Infections in the ears are caused by germs and viruses. They enter the human body and grow to cause infection, affecting the normal functioning of the body. Germs can enter the earsin a similar manner.
Infections are named according to the location. The human ear can be divided into the inner ear, middle ear and outer ear. 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 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. It's located at the back of the eardrum. When the pus begins to fill in this area, the ear feels like a filled balloon which is on the verge of popping. This feeling is really painful.
The throat is connected to the middle portion of the ear through a channel known as Eustachian tube and, in fact, middle portions of both ears are connected to the throat by two Eustachian tubes. These tubes allow the free movement of air, from the middle ear, in and out direction.
Infants under three years have less developed and smaller Eustachian tubes and therefore are less capable of keeping germs completely out of the middle ear. As your child grows, so do their Eustachian tubes and the more able they can keep germs outside, but they still face some problem.
Kids who have allergic problems and catch frequently cold are more prone to ear infections. When a child gets a cold, the Eustachian tube are obstructed, which allow germs to get into the middle ear. And the germs which gain entry, multiply rapidly resulting in a middle ear infection.
Children get a fever along with ear pain. Some may find it difficult to hear due to the blockage. Middle ear infection isn't contagious, but a cold caught from others can eventually result in an ear infection. The sooner your doctor is contacted, the better for your child and the rest of the family members. Your doctor will check the ear with the help of an otoscope, which is a special flashlight that makes the eardrum visible.
The eardrum is a thin membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear. An otoscope is also 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, fluid will press against the ear drum and may even make it bulge.
Your doctor will prescribe a pain reliever to be taken for the next two days. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria, which will end the infection within a couple of days. If your doctor recommends an antibiotic, the cycle must be completed as prescribed, otherwise there's a possibility of re-infection.
Children can take steps to avoid ear infection inlcuding washing their hands regularly and staying away from people who have a cold. However, if contact is made with an infected person, they should wash their hands and not touch their eyes or nose.
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