Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) in babies and children

Description

In children and infants, otitis media often occurs together with a cold, flu or measles infection. Viruses or even bacteria enter the middle ear directly through the eustachian tube (connects ear and throat).

There they can multiply unhindered and cause a painful inflammation of the mucous membrane with effusion formation (tympanic effusion). Since the eustachian tube is still very narrow in children, it swells up quickly. Inflammatory fluid and pus can then no longer drain away.

Middle ear infections are mostly found in babies up to 1 and children from 4-6 years.

Common cause of middle ear infection is a cross infection from the nasopharynx (NRR). This happens via the eustachian tube. This is an air channel that connects the cavity middle ear with the NRR and provides for its ventilation.

In children, a respiratory infection or inflamed tonsils are usually enough to cause otitis media. Chronic upper respiratory tract infections may also be causative.

In the case of a viral infection, the pathogens are often brought into the middle ear via the blood.

Throbbing pain in the ear is the most characteristic feature. The following symptoms may also be present:

• impaired hearing
• poor general condition
• fever, chills
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• Dizziness

In babies:

• Twitching of the ear
• crying
• decreased fluid intake
• Fever

Often there is also a rupture of the eardrum. Bloody secretion and pus flow from the ear, pain suddenly subsides. The injury to the eardrum usually heals in the following 2 weeks.

The doctor examines the painful ear with an otoscope (ear funnel with light). If there is a bulge in the eardrum, this usually indicates that fluid has collected and that there is increased pressure in the ear.

The doctor will also inquire about upper respiratory tract infections and frequency of ear infections.

If it is a recurrent middle ear infection, the child's hearing will be tested. The mobility of the eardrum may also be tested (tympanometry) to detect any tympanic effusion.

Drug therapy

The swelling of the mucous membranes must first be treated so that enough air can get back into the middle ear. Nasal drops can be used for this purpose.

Antibiotics are used in the first 2 LJ, recurrent disease or complications. In older children, the decision lies with the treating pediatrician.

In the case of particularly severe, recurring inflammation or a tympanic effusion, a tube is inserted into the eardrum. The middle ear can then be ventilated again and fluid can drain away.

Removal of the adenoids may also be helpful.

Home remedy

Letting the child sleep sideways at night with the inflamed ear facing upwards

Onion compresses: can reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stimulate blood circulation; chop the onion into small pieces, scald and drain in a dry sheet; place on the affected ear for 1-2 hours.

Check-up appointments

Arrange check-ups with your pediatrician. The first after 2 days and another after 2 weeks. This way you can be sure that the inflammation has healed.

The accumulation of fluid in a middle ear infection can affect hearing.

If the eustachian tube remains blocked for an extended period of time, new bacteria can colonize and cause a new infection.

The inflammation can also spread to adjacent bones (mastoiditis) with protruding ears, or reddened areas behind them. Less common are complications such as meningitis (meningitis) or facial paralysis.

If the middle ear is affected by recurrent inflammation, the child's speech development may be delayed.

If nasal drops are used quickly during a cold, the ventilation of the middle ear improves. This can often prevent or at least reduce inflammation. Nevertheless, consult a doctor as soon as possible and have your child examined at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, there is also the possibility of a pneumococcal vaccination. Streptococcus pneumoniae is often the cause of purulent otitis media.

If there is already damage to one ear, special care of the second ear is of particular importance.

Further advice:

• Make sure your child does not put anything in his or her ear.
• Clean the ear only in the outer area, no cotton swabs! Have deeper-seated plugs of wax removed by the paediatrician.
• Avoid bathing when there is a cold.
• Do not let a child with a cold get into draughts with wet hair.