The most common ear disease is otitis media. It can manifest itself at any age, but children are most susceptible to this disease. Otitis can be external, middle and internal, depending on which part of the ear is involved in the process. The structure of the nasopharynx in children has some specific features. The Eustachian tube in them is somewhat shorter and wider than in adults, so an infection from the nose can easily get into the ear.
Otitis in children. Symptoms
Otitis often occurs as a result of a small cold, if the throat becomes sick and discharge from the nose appears. The main symptom of this disease is severe pain in the ear. However, there are cases when otitis media is asymptomatic. Older children may say that they have an ear ache, but the baby needs careful monitoring. If the child cries, clutches his ear, does not sleep and turns his head, then the first thing to do is to suspect the manifestations of otitis media and go to a consultation with an otolaryngologist. The child may refuse to eat, as any swallowing movement may aggravate the pain. Symptoms of otitis may be expressed in lethargy, lethargy, anxiety of the baby, as well as in excessive fatigue and fever, sometimes up to 38-39 C. In some cases, vomiting or diarrhea appears.
Otitis in children. Treatment
Do not independently treat the child at home, even if he has at least one of the above symptoms. The problem is that the improper use of drugs for otitis media can erase the clinical picture and greatly complicate the diagnosis; subsequently, this step can lead to serious complications. Only an ENT doctor can prescribe the only correct treatment for a baby after a thorough examination. When confirming otitis in children, the doctor must prescribe antibacterial therapy, antihistamines, drops in the ear and nose. Before consulting a specialist, parents can alleviate the condition of the baby by dripping vasoconstrictor drops into the nose. If discharge from the ear is not observed, then warm boric alcohol can be instilled into the affected ear .
What can not be done, suspecting otitis media in children?
Until the specialist examines the child:
- If the child has a high temperature, do not apply a warming compress to the ear.
- No need to put the baby in the bed, this can significantly increase the pain.
- If the child has discharge from the ear, do not clean and / or drip medication.
Purulent otitis media. Symptoms and treatment
Most often, ear disease is a consequence of a viral disease. If otitis in a child is not treated in a timely manner, then a purulent process can begin in the middle ear, and after a while discharge appears. Timely and correctly prescribed treatment is an excellent prerequisite for a complete cure, while hearing will not be affected. Purulent otitis media in children is a specific condition that must necessarily occur under the supervision of a physician, if pus does not leave the ear, then it can penetrate the brain and cause meningitis. Treatment of a purulent process will take about ten days, most often parents will be asked to hospitalize the child in a hospital.
Otitis Prevention
In order to avoid problems, it is necessary:
- Timely treat even a small runny nose.
- Teach your child to blow his nose. It is very important that the mucus does not enter the ear.
- More often do wet cleaning in the apartment and give the baby a drink during illness.
- Timely treat acute and chronic adenoiditis.
- Strengthen the immune system.
Treatment of otitis media in children avoids its main complications, namely hearing loss, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in intelligence and developmental delays. Another complication may be inflammation of the mastoid process, which can cause a purulent process of the meninges. Prevention of otitis media, proper diagnosis and timely treatment - this is the guarantee that your child will be healthy and happy!