In the article, we consider whether there is a temperature with otitis media in children and how long it lasts.
Hyperthermia is one of the main clinical symptoms of the development of otitis media in children. Changes in the body's thermoregulation indicate the presence of inflammation processes provoked by the growth of the pathogenic flora. Although lethargy and malaise are noted with the appearance of this symptom, it is forbidden to use antipyretics at subfebrile temperature.
Many parents are interested in how much the child has with otitis media.
What it is?
Body temperature is a basic parameter that determines the rate of metabolic processes in the human body. Their acceleration, due to the inflammatory process of the mucous membranes in the ear, leads to hyperthermia. Experts argue that such a reaction is protective, because the reproductive ability of pathogenic agents with hyperthermia decreases, and the person recovers.
The mechanism and causes of hyperthermia
Elevated temperature in otitis media in children always indicates the presence of inflammation in the ear. Pathological tissue changes transform the chemical composition of the blood. The content of neutrophils rushing to the lesion to increase pathogens increases. Analysis of changes that occur in the blood is performed by a small section of the brain called the hypothalamus. After processing the received information, he sends a signal to the corresponding brain departments about the need for changes in thermoregulation through transmitters.
The work of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland
The pituitary and thyroid glands are synthesized, synthesizing special enzymes that provoke the appearance of hyperthermia. When the temperature of otitis media in children rises, this is a defense reaction that performs a number of important tasks: it violates the reproductive activity of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, due to which the number of pathogens in inflammatory foci decreases, and it stimulates the production of interferon, which inhibits the synthesis of virus DNA. In other words, hyperthermia enhances the immune system's response to inflammatory reactions or an infectious disease.
Temperature as one of the signs of otitis media and other symptoms
Temperature for otitis media in children is one of the main symptoms. The disease can be chronic or acute.
In the acute form, which lasts two to three days, patients feel periodic or constant pain.
Otitis may be observed in a child with a temperature of 38 degrees or more.
In addition, with the disease, other symptoms are noted, less pronounced, namely:
- dizziness and severe headache;
- hearing impairment;
- nausea;
- a feeling of pressure and stuffiness in the shell of the ear;
- general deterioration of health;
- purulent discharge from the ear shell.
Despite the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease, only a qualified otolaryngologist can finally make a diagnosis and correctly prescribe treatment.
Chronic form and its symptoms
With untimely or incorrect treatment, there is the possibility of the disease developing into a chronic form, which is quite dangerous.
Symptoms in this case will not be so pronounced, the disease itself disappears with a slight increase in temperature or without it at all.
In children, the temperature with otitis media does not always increase, but if there are other symptoms, you need to check your ears and determine if there is a pathology. To do this, you should immediately contact a specialist who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a therapeutic course.
How much the temperature is kept during otitis media in children will be described below.
The specificity of the external form of the disease
With this form of manifestation of pathology, fever does not occur in all cases. Correction of the situation is carried out through medications. Otherwise, the likelihood of a sharp deterioration in the condition of the child increases.
The specificity of the manifestation of pathogenic signs becomes significantly worse with the appearance of a boil. The body temperature in this case can rise to 38 degrees. The reaction is much stronger in young children.
When the external form of the disease is diffuse, body temperature can be within normal limits. But the deterioration of the childβs health is clearly marked. It manifests itself in the form of weakness.
Does otitis media always occur in a child with a high fever?
Features of otitis media
Temperature most often manifests itself in the presence of purulent inflammation in the middle ear. In the process of diagnosis, the specification and nature of the manifestation of intoxication syndrome are taken into account. The situation worsens due to increased body temperature and severe pain.
Fever is an unpleasant symptom that needs to be disposed of in a timely manner. Parents always ask the question: "How many days does the temperature last with otitis media?" The duration of the manifestation is determined directly by the perforation of the eardrum. Further treatment is prescribed based on the study of this area. To answer the question of how much the temperature is kept with otitis media above the normal level in a child, there are general cases in medical practice. They note that a child's fever, as a rule, lasts from several hours to a day.
If the child is older, then pathology can do less harm to his body, and vice versa. With otitis in children, a temperature of 39 degrees and above, of course, happens. This situation is noted with the accumulation of pus. It is advisable in this case to use antipyretic drugs as prescribed by a specialist.
Treatment features
Each parent should know the main ways to treat otitis media in children. Therapy is antibacterial in nature and may differ in systemic or local effect. To choose a tactic, you need to look at the general condition of the child and history.
This treatment option, as topical, is used only to eliminate external manifestations. Fever should be eliminated as soon as possible, as the situation can be further exacerbated by general weakness and severe headache. In this case, the child becomes cold, his skin becomes pale. The symptom is especially pronounced on the palms and feet.
To eliminate purulent otitis media, you must also give the patient antibiotics, which are available in the form of injections and tablets. Using these drugs, you can lower your body temperature over a short period of time.
It is important to note that low-grade fever cannot be treated with medication.
Effectively and quickly, body temperature can reduce antipyretics. Very popular in this group are Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. For ease of use, you can purchase not only tablets. It is much easier for a child to take syrup or give an injection. Parents will be able to choose the appropriate treatment option on their own.
Regardless of what the temperature is during otitis media in a child, it is recommended to additionally follow these pediatrician recommendations:
- The child should be provided with sufficient water. As such, mineral water, compote and tea can be used.
- Additionally, bed rest is required.
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol have analgesic properties. It is advisable to use them to eliminate general weakness and relieve pain. A positive influence is obtained only after a certain time. Only a specialist can choose the right drug, based on the results of the examination. The general health status of the patient is also analyzed.
When to call an ambulance?
An ambulance should be called when the child has a headache, drowsiness, and severe lethargy. General condition worsens due to nausea and vomiting. A marble effect can be detected on the skin.
The effect of antibiotic therapy will not be immediate. There is a direct correlation between the speed of obtaining a positive effect and the specifics of the functioning of the selected means. The first changes for the better, as a rule, are detected in two days. In the absence of effect, it is advisable to change the drug. Temperature suppresses inflammation and infection. This will take several days.
In which case antipyretic drugs can be used? Antipyretics are not prescribed at subfebrile temperature. In this case, patients with neurological pathologies are an exception. In cases where the mercury column on the thermometer exceeds 38Λ, only those antipyretics that are recommended by the doctor are used to treat a small patient.
How long does the temperature hold in children with otitis media?
To begin with, it should be noted that body temperature does not always reach a critical indicator. She in some situations remains within subfebrile values ββ(37.2-37.5Λ) until the baby is completely recovered from the disease.
However, in most cases, the baby rises significantly from the first days of the development of such a pathology. At the same time, its values ββwill be high during the time when the inflammatory process develops actively in a small organism.
If a child has otitis media characterized by a rise in temperature to 38-39 degrees, then they will be prescribed antipyretics, as well as antibiotics, which are allowed for children at the appropriate age.
So, how many days can a child have a fever with otitis media?
With the right antibiotic therapy, the clinical picture changes quite quickly, and the childβs temperature drops for 2-3 days.
If during this time there are no changes, this means that the prescribed antibiotic can not cope with the process of inflammation in the organs of hearing. In such circumstances, you should immediately consult a doctor regarding the selection of another drug, since the prescribed treatment did not bring the desired effect.
It is worth noting that after the elimination of the heat, subfebrile temperature can persist for up to two weeks, and this symptom is not a reason for intervention in medical tactics and unscheduled treatment by a specialist.
Otitis Prevention
The development of otitis media in a child can be prevented through simple preventive measures. First of all, it is necessary to strengthen immunity and avoid colds: drink vitamin complexes, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, temper the baby. If the child is still ill with an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold, treatment should be timely and under medical supervision. In no case can you clean sulfur from your ears with objects that are not intended for such purposes - invisible hairpins, matches, pins. Patients up to the age of three need constant monitoring by adults - children often stuff foreign objects into their ears, resulting in purulent otitis media.
Conclusion
Otitis in childhood is a common problem and many parents experience it. Such a disease is dangerous to the health of the child and needs timely diagnosis and proper treatment.
We examined how long the temperature in children with otitis media lasts and how to deal with it.