As a new parent, you might notice your baby battling a cold, tugging its ears and being generally fussy. But how do you know if it is serious? No need to be alarmed. Ear infections are not only common among babies but also highly treatable.
Ear infections are quite common among babies and toddlers. The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media (OM). Statistics from the National Institutes of Health reveal that a staggering five out of six children encounter an ear infection before reaching the tender age of three.
A common childhood ailment
According to Dr Anish Gupta, lead consultant, ENT at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, it is a common condition among many infants. Ear infections can occur at any age, starting from birth and lasting until around three to five years of age. The duration of an ear infection can vary, typically lasting from five days to three weeks. Dr Gupta recommends, “It is important for parents to be aware of this timeframe and seek appropriate medical attention if the symptoms persist beyond this period.”
Causes
Dr Girish Anand M S, an ENT surgery consultant at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, explains that due to low immunity, viral infections in babies and toddlers can result in fluid buildup, creating a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Additionally, the anatomical structure of the eustachian tubes, which connect the ear to the mouth, poses a higher risk for infections as they are shorter, narrower, and positioned horizontally.
Signs and symptoms
- Irritability and excessive crying
- Presence of fever
- Discharge from the ear
- Recurring cold, accompanied by persistent crying
- Uncontrollable crying
It is important to note that these signs and symptoms can vary from child to child, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There may be more such signs. Dr Haridarshan explains, “Infants with ear infections may exhibit restlessness and fussiness due to increased pain when lying in a horizontal position. They may resist sleeping and prefer to be held upright or on the shoulder.” Constantly touching or tugging at the affected ear is a strong sign of ear infection. Some children might also have ear discharge, redness, fever, and nasal congestion.
Preventing ear infections in infants
Dr Haridarshan, consultant paediatrician in Apollo Hospital, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru says that breastfeeding plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of ear infections in infants compared to bottle feeding. It can help in safeguarding infants from ear pain by providing necessary protection against infections.
It is also important to understand the role of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat and is narrower and shorter in children. Maintaining the patency (state of being unblocked) of this tube is crucial to ensure proper balance between the middle ear and throat. Smoke particles, nasal blockage, throat infections, tightly fitted caps and unhygienic conditions can lead to Eustachian tube blockage and subsequent ear infections. Keeping the Eustachian tube moist and avoiding exposure to cold are key preventive measures.
Dr Haridarshan emphasises the importance of vaccination as well in reducing the occurrence of ear infections. The pneumococcal vaccine, which is recommended to all children, can prevent up to 80 per cent of pneumococcal infections, including those causing ear infections.
Treatment for ear infection
“The treatment of ear infections involves the use of medication. In children under one year of age with middle ear infections, antibiotics are typically prescribed. For children aged one to three years, symptomatic treatment is often sufficient, without the need for antibiotics,” says Dr Haridarshan.
In cases of severe infection or high-grade fever, the treatment approach depends on the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are necessary for infants under one due to potential complications, such as brain infection or meningitis, associated with severe ear infections.
