Find out about the symptoms and treatments for ear infection in infants and toddlers. Find out how to relieve discomfort with a hot compress and what other treatments you can use.
What Causes Ear Infections for Babies and Toddlers?
The most common ear infections in children are those that occur during the first year of life. This is because the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the back of throat, is shorter and horizontal than the eustachian tube of adults and older children. It is easier for viruses and bacteria to spread from the throat and middle ear. Some other factors can also increase the likelihood of an ear infection in infants and toddlers.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- Daycare is a great way to spend time with your children
- Being born prematurely
- A family history of ear infection
- A weakened immune systems
What are the symptoms of ear infections in babies and toddlers?
The severity of the infection can affect the symptoms, but the following are common ones:
- The ear is pulled or tugged at
- Cry more than usual
- Irritability
- Sleeping difficulties
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Drainage of the Ear
Diagnosis for Ear Infections among Babies and Toddlers
You should consult a doctor if you think your child may have an ear infection. A pediatrician uses an otoscope, a special tool to examine the ear of a child and look for any signs of infection or inflammation. Some cases may require a sample of fluid from the inner ear to be taken and analyzed in order to identify the bacteria that is causing infection.
Treatment for Ear Infections among Babies and Toddlers
Treatment for infants and toddlers with ear infections depends on their severity. Mild infections can clear on their own in a matter of days. If the child’s pain is severe, or the infection is serious, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Children may be prescribed pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease their discomfort.
What is the best way to treat ear infections in babies and toddlers with a warm compress?
Warm compresses can be used to relieve the symptoms of an ear infection in infants and toddlers. How to apply a warm compression:
- A washcloth can be soaked in warm water.
- Remove excess water by wringing out.
- Keep the washcloth on the ear affected for 10 to 15 minute.
- Repeat this process several times per day.
There are also other ways to treat ear infections among babies and toddlers. They include:
- Pain relievers available over-the-counter include acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Only if it is a bacterial infection, should you take antibiotics
- Use ear drops for pain relief and inflammation
- Fluids and rest
Preventing Ear Infections for Babies and Toddlers
There are some steps that you can do to lower your baby’s chances of getting an ear infection.
- You should breastfeed your child for at least 6 months.
- Secondhand Smoke: Avoiding Exposure
- Vaccinations for your children: Ensure they receive all the recommended vaccines
- Hand hygiene is important
- Keep your children away from sick people
- Do not put your child to sleep with a baby bottle
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
What causes hearing loss in infants and toddlers due to ear infections?
If left untreated, recurrent or severe ear infections in infants and toddlers can cause hearing loss.
What is the time it takes for an ear infected to be healed?
Most ear infections will go away on their own in a matter of a few days to ten.
Can ear infections be contagious?
Ear infections themselves are not infectious, but the flu or cold that causes them is.
Hearing loss can be caused by ear infections?
Chronic ear infections, in rare cases can cause temporary or permanent loss of hearing.
The conclusion of the article is:
Babies and toddlers are often affected by ear infections. There are many remedies to ease the discomfort and accelerate recovery. Warm compresses are a common and popular remedy to ease pain. Pain relievers over the counter, antibiotics, ear drops and rest are all other remedies. Consult a doctor if your child has symptoms that could indicate an ear problem.