Most children get better after a few days of treatment with antibiotics. However, it is essential not to stop the treatment too soon, as the infection may return. See a doctor if you are worried that your child has a recurrent ear infection. Generally, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants do not work to treat middle ear infections. You should also avoid putting cotton wool in the ear or cleaning the discharge with a cotton bud. Children with recurrent ear infections may need to take a long course of antibiotics.
Symptoms
In children, the symptoms of an ear infection can be very distressing. These include fever, irritability, and crying inconsolably. A visit to your pediatrician is advisable to diagnose and treat the infection. Your pediatrician can prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain and fever. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if bacteria is suspected of causing the infection. Antibiotics should be administered only after careful observation.
If you notice your child constantly tugging at their ear, it may indicate an ear infection. In addition, your child may experience difficulty hearing or sleeping and may complain of an increased fever. Ear infections can also cause a child to experience difficulty swallowing or a loss of appetite.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ear infection symptoms is vital to the treatment of the condition. First, the doctor will examine the ear to determine if the infection is due to bacteria or a virus. If bacteria cause the infection, antibiotics may be prescribed for a prolonged period. Antibiotics may be given orally or by intravenous infusion. A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the affected tissue if the infection has spread to the middle ear or caused an eardrum hole.
An ear examination is typically painless, but some children may be bothered. A fluid sample from the ear may be collected to test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A CT scan is also done to confirm whether the infection has spread or if it is confined to the ear. Some tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis are tympanometry (measuring the eardrum’s response to changes in air pressure) and acoustic reflectometry (measurement of the amount of fluid in the ear).
Treatment
Depending on the cause of the ear infection, a physician may prescribe antibiotics or a suctioning device. In addition, a healthcare provider may prescribe a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, to ease pain and fever. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a myringotomy, in which a surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain.
An untreated ear infection can spread to other parts of the body. Chronic infections, such as otitis media, can damage nearby tissue and cause permanent hearing loss or vertigo. In addition, the eardrum can rupture if a mass of pus builds up in it. Although such ruptures usually heal without treatment, chronic perforations require surgical repair.
Reye’s syndrome
Children with Reye’s syndrome have a poor prognosis. Their chances of survival depend on the extent of brain swelling and the amount of ammonia in the blood. The disease can progress from a mild case to a deep coma. However, the prognosis improves when the disease is detected early.
Reye syndrome is a rare condition that is characterized by sudden illness. It typically begins with vomiting and lasts for several hours. In addition, children may experience changes in behavior or mental status. A child suffering from this condition should be rushed to the emergency room. Medical professionals will check blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. They may also do imaging studies to determine the condition of the brain and liver.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is a common symptom of ear infections and can be a permanent or temporary complication. The infection causes the ear canal to swell, which muffles sound. A temporary ear infection, also known as a swimmer’s ear, can cause hearing loss, though this problem usually goes away once the swelling goes down.
If there is fluid behind the eardrum, it will block the sound and cause ringing. In some cases, the fluid may rupture the eardrum. In this case, a child may experience fewer than 20 decibels of hearing loss. If this happens, it’s time to go to the doctor.
Pus discharge
Pus discharge from the ear is a common symptom of ear infection and should never be ignored. While most causes of ear drainage are self-resolving, some infections are more severe than they seem. In these cases, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional can help you identify and treat the infection and will also help prevent the condition from recurring.
Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that affect the middle ear. Depending on the cause, you may need antibiotics or antiviral medications. Pain-relieving medications may also be helpful. If antibiotics don’t work, you can try surgical procedures.
