It is not unusual for babies to acquire ear infection during the childhood years. A good number of infections are otitis media or middle ear infections. A lot of babies are found to recover from these ear infections without the use of antibiotics. Nonetheless, frequent ear infections in babies are major concerns for the parents.
In addition, this may be somewhat difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of ear infections in very young children or infants. Thus, through this article, what will be discussed are the causes, symptoms and also the treatment alternatives for the ear infections that occur in babies.
Baby Ear Infection Causes
Babies are more prone to ear infections considering that their Eustachian tubes are shorter when compared to adults and are also horizontal. As a consequence, the Eustachian tubes will likely get blocked easily making it easy for the fluid to build up in the area at the back of the eardrum easily. This will typically occur following an episode of common colds, sinus infection or perhaps because of an allergy. The fluid that is trapped inside the middle ear will provide a favorable breeding place for germs as well as bacteria that will eventually lead to ear infection.
These ear infections are typically known as acute otitis media or AOM for short. Since babies have immune systems which are not yet fully developed, they are more likely susceptible to infections of the ear. At times, infection of the adenoids which are situated close to the Eustachian tube will also result to ear infections. During the fall and winter seasons, ear infections are more common in infants. It is also observed that children who are exposed to smoke particularly from tobacco smoke are most probably to acquire infections of the ear.
Signs and Symptoms of Baby Ear Infection
Infections of the ear in young children will be pretty difficult to determine. Nonetheless, through careful observation you will be able to recognize the following most common symptoms of ear infection in babies.
- Tug or pull on the affected ear
- Will cry more frequently or become fussy
- Irritability
- Insomnia or difficulty in sleeping
- Fluid which is draining from the ear that is either clear or slightly yellow in color
- Unresponsive to sounds
- Has fever that is higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Appetite is reduced
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Reddish cheeks
Baby Ear Infection Treatment
More often than not, minor infections in the middle ear will clear up on their own without the need for any treatment. Doctors will usually detect the ear infections that occur in toddlers and babies by way of examining the ears with the use of their otoscopes. When the infection is not extremely severe, most physicians will likely prefer to wait for a little bit before they will prescribe any medication. If the ear infection of the baby will not clear up after a day or two, appropriate medications will be necessary for efficient treatment. In order to relieve the symptoms of ear infection like ear pain, the doctors will recommend acetaminophen and ibuprofen for infants. But children should not be given aspirin because this will increase the risk for the development of Reye’s syndrome.
At times, the pediatrician will also prescribe ear drop as a form of ear infection treatment in infants most especially if there is no drainage coming from the ears. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed only if the infection and also the symptoms it produce are severe. Generally, antibiotics are prescribed to babies who are older than six months. Aside from these, antihistamines and decongestants are used intermittently particularly when the ear infection is a result of allergies. But parents should not provide any over the counter or prescribed medications to their children without seeking the advice of a pediatrician.
Parents may also try out some home remedies for the treatment of mild infection in the ear. An example of a home remedy in treating baby ear infection is warm compress. Warm compress which is applied on the affected area has proven to be very helpful in comforting the child through the reduction of ear pain and other uncomfortable symptoms of the infection on the ear. If you elevate the head of your child as he sleeps, it will also help relieve the symptoms of ear infection. However, you should not use a pillow and instead elevate the head of the mattress for your child.