An Ear infection is mostly common in small children. However, anyone can get ear infections because of various causes. There are different types of ear infections.
The Eustachian tube is the part of the ear that runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube’s function is to drain fluid that is produced in the middle ear. Fluid can therefore build up when the tube is blocked causing viruses and bacteria to grow in this area, and resulting to an infection in the ear.
The reason why such kind of infections are common in small children is because their Eustachian tubes get clogged more easily than in adults. When the Eustachian tube is swollen and blocked, fluid tends to build up in the middle ear; that is, right behind the ear drum.
There are several things that can make the Eustachian tube to swell and get blocked including: allergies, smoking tobacco, sinus and cold infections, overgrown or infected adenoids, and the excess saliva and mucus produced by small children during teething.
When children are drinking from a bottle or sippy cup, especially when lying on their backs, they risk getting their Eustachian tubes blocked. However, contrary to popular beliefs, getting water into the ears maybe during swimming cannot cause ear infections. Ear infections are also common during winter because many people catch colds as a result of the cold weather. Ear infections cannot be spread from one person to another but colds can and are likely to cause an ear infection.
When children are not breastfed, they are also put at a risk of getting ear infections. When they have lower resistance in their bodies due to some illness, when they use pacifiers, and changes in the climate of their environment can cause this infection.
Genetic factors can also make children sick. Ear infections are however not very common among adult although there are a few rare cases.
It is normally very hard to tell what exactly a child is suffering from since they cannot speak; and those who can, may not be able to express themselves efficiently enough. Parents therefore need to know a couple of tell tale signs to look out for when their child is suffering from an ear infection.
The clearest sign is being inconsolable and irritable. Parents mistake the baby when it tugs on its ear. Research has shown that 99% of children who are having a fever or are suffering from any other disease always tug at their ears.
Some of the common symptoms include:
• Fullness in the ear
• Vomiting
• Ear ache or pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of hearing in the ear that is affected
• General illness
These signs may start when a child is having a cold or shortly after they have had a cold. Parents can also get an electronic ear monitor from a pharmacy. However, if they suspect an infection, they should immediately visit the doctor.
Most infections will clear by themselves with time; however, a doctor may recommend the use of an anti-biotic.
