How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children– In early childhood, it is time for language development and learning in children. The tubes situated in the ears which bridge the gap between the middle ear to the back of the throat known as Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal in children as compared to adults.
It is difficult for children to fight infection as their immunity system is still developing. Sometimes bacteria get trapped in the adenoids, which can result in a chronic infection which can then pass on to the eustachian tubes and then the middle ear. So, it is prominent to prevent ear infections in the ear in children so that they do not face difficulties in the future. Zeneth Healthcare will provide you with the best solutions to prevent ear infections in children.
Common Causes of Ear Infection in Children
As we know, there is the production of harmful fluid or mucus build-up in the narrow pathway that is situated in the middle ear and goes at the back of the throat known as Eustachian tubes. They become broken and swollen in an ear infection. The treatment is required for ear infections as it will help in managing pain and observing the issue.
There is an ear infection known as acute otitis media which is caused due to the bacteria or virus that infects the space behind the child’s eardrum. If your child has a sore throat, cold, or any other respiratory infection. These disorders can cause the increase of spread of bacteria in the middle ear and cause fluid accumulation which results in middle ear infection in children.
Factors causing ear infections:
- Upper respiratory infections (colds or flu).
- Blocked or inflamed Eustachian tubes.
- Allergies causing nasal congestion.
- Exposure to smoke in the home
- Group daycare or school environments.
- Bottle feeding while lying down.
- Weakened immune system.
- Pacifier use.
- Genetic predisposition to ear infections.
- Season changes during cold months
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children
There are numerous instructions that can provide effective treatment for ear infections in children if followed that helps in redemption of risk factors and promoting overall ear health. Here are some safety tips that offer to prevent the bacteria from piling up in the middle ear space.
Vaccination
Usually, an ear infection is caused due to upper respiratory viral infections like colds or flu. So, routine pneumococcal vaccination has shown results in reducing ear infections in children. It is recommended to consult a doctor or any healthcare professional before taking this vaccination.
Washing Hands
Washing hands is a very good habit taught to children to prevent them from the spread of germs and also further prevent them from catching any cold or flu. Washing hands frequently can also help children to stay clean and stay away from any type of infection.
Keeping the Nose Clean
Always try to keep the nose clear as it is connected to the ears and we often observe symptoms of cold due to middle-ear infection. So, it is advised to keep the nose clear by using saline nose drops, suctioning, and steam.
Control the allergies
Try to avoid things to lead to the rise of your allergies as it can cause inflammation in the ear that increases the accumulation of fluid that results in ear infections.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is advantageous for children as it is the least risky for the child to have an ear infection. If the child is bottle-fed, then try to put the child upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding.
Limit Pacifier Use
The frequency of pacifier use and ear infections are correlated. The use of the pacifier can cause a middle-ear infection. So, it is advised to limit the use of pacifiers of the child, especially for those older than six months.
Avoid smoking
The children are more prone to having an ear infection if they are exposed to cigarette smoke in the home. It is advised to avoid smoking near the child.
Symptoms of Ear Infections
The symptoms of ear infections in children can be observed naturally. Some of the signs noticed in children during the middle ear infection are mentioned below:
- Pain in the ear
- Tugging or pulling at an ear
- Trouble sleeping or hearing
- Crying more than usual
- Fussiness
- Loss of balance
- Fever of 100 F
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Conclusion
It is said that children usually outgrow the ear infection because by the time the child is five or six older, their Eustachian tubes are three times as long and are positioned more vertically which makes the fluid that causes ear infections easier to flow. Many of the antibiotics offer a cure for ear infections but it is better to avoid habits and remain cautious about certain things that can lead to ear infections in children.
