|
Ear infections are one of the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Most ear infections are middle ear infection,
young children are more prone to these types of infections, because the tubes which connect the throat to the middle ear are
softer and shorter. This means that germs can reach the middle ear more easily than in older children, whose tubes are longer
and more vertical. In younger children the tubes are prone to getting blocked, so that there is less ventilation into the
middle ear space. Although they may cause fever and pain in the short-term, they usually get better with treatment and there
are no long-term consequences.
Some children do have recurrent ear infections, for reasons that are not clear, and these may lead to ‘glue ear’
and hearing loss. ‘Glue ear’ is the term used to describe the presence of thick, glue-like secretions in the middle
ear. These are sometimes the consequence of repeated ear infections. Glue ear very often affects the child’s hearing,
which in turn may have an impact on the child’s language development. Ear infections in young children need to be seen
promptly by a doctor and followed up to make sure that they don’t keep coming back.
Symptoms
The symptom experienced is depending on the age of the child, symptoms may include fever, irritability or drowsiness, loss
of appetite, nausea or vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea, and headache. Younger children may tug their ear, or poke their finger
inside. While sometimes ear infections are ‘silent’ and do not cause any specific symptoms, usually your child
will complain of earache, or of a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Babies may cry a lot and pull at the affected
ear, especially at night when lying down. Some children may suffer severe and intense pain in their ear. Ear infections can
cause a temporary decrease in hearing, so that some children may have noticeable partial deafness during ear infections. Occasionally
the eardrum may rupture (perforated eardrum), with a thick and sometimes bloody discharge. This creates some relief of the
pressure that has built up in the ear as a result of the infection, and eases the pain, do not panic the burst eardrum usually
heals naturally.
Treatment
Antibiotics are usually only given to babies and children who are very unwell as symptoms of a middle ear infection usually
get better by themselves within 24 hours in most children. Even if the symptoms have improve always make sure that the child
finishes the whole course of treatment, as stopping too soon could make the infection come back. Your G.P. may tell you to
give your child infant painkillers such as Calpol to help with the pain and bring down any fever
Some children who have recurrent ear infections, or a chronic infection (glue ear), may require the insertion of ventilating
tubes (grommets) into the eardrum. This prevents fluid from building up behind the drum, and helps to preserve hearing. This
is a very common procedure in childhood, and usually your child can be a day patient. The procedure is performed in the morning,
under general anaesthetic, and the child is able to go home in the evening. While the tubes are in the ears, it is advisable
not to go swimming, unless special ear plugs are used to prevent water entering the middle ear. A specialist will explain
these precautions to you. Grommets usually fall out after 6-12 months, although sometimes special tubes are inserted which
will stay in longer. In some children, grommets may need to be reinserted again if infections recur.
|
 |
|
