From Crying To Calm: Remedies For Ear Infections In Babies

Ear Infection In Babies

Happiness is an earbud in an itchy ear, but be careful when it's for your baby! Ear infection, scientifically called “otitis media” (OM) is relatively common in children below 5 years of age. Most of the cases of OM in children are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, two strains of bacteria that are also common in throat infections. It all starts after a child has a sore throat, cold, or upper respiratory infection.

If the upper respiratory infection is bacterial, the bacteria from the throat may spread to the middle ear; if the upper respiratory infection is viral, such as the flu, bacteria may be attracted to the low-immunity status of the body and enter the middle ear as a secondary infection. The infection causes inflammation— redness and fluid accumulation behind the eardrum causing sharp pain.

Children tend to get ear infections more frequently than adults do. The anatomy of the child’s ear is the reason behind this. To discuss a few of them:

• The child’s Eustachian tubes or ear canals are less curved and straighter than in adults. This makes it challenging for the ear wax to exit the canal. A common cold or other respiratory infections may swell the Eustachian tubes and block them with mucous, preventing the ear wax from draining naturally.
• A child has a developing immune system, which makes it difficult for them to ward off any infection in the body easily.

Signs Of Ear Infection In Babies

The majority of childhood ear infections occur before speech development. Here are some symptoms to watch out for if your baby has been cranky and crying a lot:

• Sobbing
• Throwing tantrums
• Not sleeping well
• Has been touching the ear and pulling it
• Has been fidgeting with one or both ears
• Doesn’t seem to respond well to happy sounds
• Mild fever
• Fluid discharge from the ears

While all the above symptoms are seen in ear infections, they are not exclusive to them. For instance, irritability and fever are typical signs of many illnesses in young children, and ear tugging can also be a sign of teething. Thus, it is highly advisable to visit a paediatrician or any child's specialist to determine the cause.

How Will The Doctor Diagnose Ear Infections In Babies?

To identify infant ear infections, a doctor will undoubtedly take a detailed history of a recent episode of the common cold, throat issues, and previous episodes of otitis media. He will want to know everything about the symptoms that the child might be showing.

After that, he might look inside the ear canal and eardrum using an instrument called an otoscope. A tympanometry test, which gauges the eardrum's movement in reaction to variations in air pressure, may also be suggested. Collecting an ear fluid sample may be necessary for testing for a bacterial infection in severe cases.

How To Cure Ear Infections In Babies

The severity and underlying cause of a baby's ear infection will determine the best course of treatment.

Antibiotics are frequently recommended when bacteria are the cause of the infection. Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be administered (in recommended dosages) to ease discomfort. Even if the baby seems to be doing better, it is crucial to carefully follow the doctor's recommendations and finish the entire course of antibiotics.

If the infection is minimal, it might go away on its own or with natural remedies. These include alternative forms of treatment like homeopathy (a combination of plant-based compounds in a delivery medium like distilled water), osteopathy (involves certain jaw joint exercises to relieve pressures on the ear tube), or warm and cold compresses in the ear to relieve the inflammation.

When ear infections persist, a doctor could advise a surgical procedure to stop further infections, like placing ear tubes in the ear.

How To Prevent Ear Infections In Babies?

The best way to prevent ear infections in babies is by avoiding the risk factors and triggers that may cause them. Here is a quick look at the probable triggers.

• Babies who are exposed to second-hand smoke (passive smoking)
• Bottle-feeding while lying down (which increases pressure on the ear canal)
• Babies who attend daycare (where the risk of cross-infection is higher)  
• Babies who have a family history of ear infections are at an increased risk of developing it.
• Colds and allergies can significantly raise your chance of getting an ear infection.

Conclusion: Don’t Worry, Ear Infections Are Treatable!

Don't let ear infections get the best of your baby and family! With the right knowledge and action, you can prevent and manage it. Do not forget to clean your baby's ears, refrain from smoking, and get help if you need it. And most importantly, soothe and love your child deeply at this trying time. You can contribute to ensuring your baby's future happiness and health by acting wisely right away.