When we become new parents, we pay close attention to even the smallest details of our baby, right? Whether it's a diaper change or a cold, we quickly recognize them. But there are some illnesses that we can't easily recognize, and the symptoms are not immediately apparent. That's what ear infections in young children are like. Surprisingly, about three-quarters of children will have at least one ear infection before they turn 3. So this is something we all need to know.
What is this ear infection?
Simply put, an ear infection is a buildup of fluid or pus in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, and the growth of germs. The main cause of this is a cold, or as we call it, a cold.
Imagine, there is a small tube that connects our ears and throat. In medical terms, we call this the Eustachian tube. Its main function is to control the pressure in the middle ear and drain the fluids that accumulate there. But when a child has a cold, this tube can become swollen and blocked with mucus. Then the fluid that accumulates in the middle ear accumulates with no way to get out. This is where viruses or bacteria grow inside this accumulated fluid, causing an infection. This can cause the eardrum to become red and swollen.
Why does this happen more to young children?
You may be wondering why this happens more to children than adults. There are two main reasons for this.
1. Weak immune system: The immune system of children under 3 years of age is not yet fully developed. Therefore, they are less able to fight germs. Since this is the first time they are exposed to these germs, it takes a while for them to fight them off and win.
2. Position of the ear canal: The Eustachian tube in young children is not vertical like in adults, but more horizontal. Just like a water pipe that is not tilted will trap water, this tube is horizontal, so the fluid that accumulates in the middle ear does not drain easily. Therefore, there is a greater chance of them accumulating and causing infections.
How do we recognize this? What are the symptoms?
A fever can accompany an ear infection, but it doesn't always. So we need to be aware of other symptoms as well. Sometimes the only symptom a baby has may be crying in vain.
The most important thing is to suspect that if your baby is crying differently than usual, for no reason, or seems agitated, it could be due to an ear problem.
Let's look at this table to easily identify these characteristics.
| Commonly seen symptoms | Additional features that can be seen |
|---|---|
| Frequent ear picking or pulling | Loss of appetite or refusal to drink |
| Frequent crying and restlessness for no reason | Vomiting and diarrhea |
| Fever (maybe the fever will go away) | Fluid or pus draining from the ear |
| Difficulty sleeping, frequent awakenings | Hearing impairment (not responding when you speak) |
| Clinging to mom or dad more than usual (clingy) | Body balance problems |
What time should I go to the doctor?
If your child seems unwell or has a fever, see a pediatrician immediately. We need to be especially careful with young children.
- Babies under 6 months: If a baby this age develops an ear infection, they are usually given antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas, such as the brain.
- 6 months to 2 years: At this age, if the child is not in serious trouble, sometimes the doctor may recommend waiting a couple of days without antibiotics. This is because some viral infections are cured by our body's own immune system. However, if it is definitely an ear infection and the child is in difficulty, it is best to give antibiotics.
- Children over 2 years old: If your child is over 2 years old, don't be surprised if the doctor tells you to wait two to three days (48-72 hours) without giving antibiotics. This is the usual approach now. It is important to avoid the possible side effects of unnecessary use of antibiotics. If the problem does not subside after two to three days, the doctor will tell you to start antibiotics.
What can we do to prevent these ear infections?
"It is better to prevent an illness than to treat it after it has occurred," they say. So, taking these things into consideration will go a long way in protecting your baby from ear infections.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, at least for the first year. The antibodies in breast milk boost your baby's immunity and reduce the risk of ear infections.
- If you are bottle-feeding: When feeding your baby from a bottle, do not lay your baby down. Hold your baby in a slightly elevated, sitting position while feeding. When you are lying down and sucking on the bottle, milk can easily travel down the auditory tube into the middle ear.
- Protect yourself from colds: Wash your and your child's hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently. If possible, limit your children's exposure to crowded places, such as daycare centers. Or, choose a place with fewer children.
- Control Allergies: If your child has allergies to things like dust and pollen, the mucus they produce can also block the ear canal. So talk to your doctor about controlling those allergies.
- Avoid smoking: Never smoke around your baby. Studies have found that children who breathe in second-hand smoke are two to three times more likely to develop ear infections than other children.
- Vaccinations: Get all your child's vaccines on time. Vaccines, especially those for pneumococcal, influenza, and meningitis, have been found to reduce the risk of ear infections. Ask your doctor for more information.
Take-Home Message
- Ear infections are very common among young children, so don't panic if your child has one.
- If your child is crying for no reason, constantly touching their ear, or has a fever, it could be a sign of an ear infection. See a doctor immediately.
- Not all ear infections require antibiotics. Some will clear up on their own. So leave the decision about treatment to your doctor.
- Breastfeeding, avoiding smoking in areas where the baby is, and providing regular vaccinations can significantly prevent this condition from occurring.
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