|
Ear Infections
Recurrent ear infections are common in children under the age of
five years, and they needn't cause any additional problems,
provided they receive appropriate treatment. All babies are born
with a natural immunity, that is passed on from the mother
during pregnancy, and is boosted if the child is breastfed.
Unfortunately, as the child gets older, this natural resistance
to infection begins to wear off, with the child becoming prone
to childhood illnesses.
The infection spreads into the ears via a tiny tube, that is
known as the 'eustachian tube' . This tube connects the lining
of the nose to the inner eardrum, and is very important in
allowing the pressure of both sides of the eardrum to be equal.
If infection sets in, these tubes become blocked with mucus,
resulting in earache or temporary impaired hearing.
In the initial stages, the child will probably suffer with a
raised temperature, that at times can escalate to around 39,5°C.
He will become irritable and may refuse to eat because of a sore
throat, and if he is able to express pain, he will complain of
discomfort in one or both ears. Young babies may not be able to
fully locate the pain, and you may find that he constantly pulls
on his ears or bangs his head.
If the infection reaches an acute stage, the mucus becomes thick
and sticky, commonly known as 'glue-ear'. Treating this
condition will require a visit to an ear, nose and throat
specialist who will recommend the appropriate treatment, or if
that fails to cure the problem he may suggest inserting
'grommets'. These are minute tubes, that are inserted into the
eardrum, to allow for complete drainage. This is a relatively
small operation, done under a general anaesthetic, where the
surgeon will make a tiny hole in the eardrum to suck out the
fluid and then insert the grommet. These tubes will cause no
discomfort to the child and will fall out on their own within a
couple of months.
Treatment:
- Consult your doctor for the appropriate antibiotics.
- Control the temperature with paracetamol every four hours,
if necessary.
- In the case of 'glue-ear', consult a specialist.
|
