Worry can feel overwhelming when your child cries more often, frequently touches their ear, and seems listless. A middle ear infection may be behind this behavior, and it most commonly affects children between six months and six years old. One thing is clear: when your child is suffering, you suffer too. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you recognize a middle ear infection quickly and support your little explorer.

How does one get an ear infection?

Otitis media , the type most likely to affect your child, is known medically as otitis media and often occurs after a Respiratory infection or tonsillitis . The secretions produced during these infections can be an ideal breeding ground for viruses. They multiply in the mouth and throat area and can then travel up through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. In children, the Eustachian tube is much shorter and also wider than in adults. As a result, viruses—and bacteria as well—have an easier time spreading.

How does an ear infection manifest in my child?

Unfortunately, the symptoms of an ear infection don’t differ much from those of other childhood illnesses. Especially in babies who can’t yet express their discomfort, it’s not possible for you to make a reliable diagnosis.

Pay attention to these signs for an initial assessment:

• Pain in the ear : Ear pain is probably the clearest sign of an ear infection. You can often recognize it because your little explorer frequently touches their ear—so-called ear pulling.

• Difficulty falling asleep : At night, an ear infection can become especially uncomfortable, as jaw pain or headaches often occur then. The rest that should help your child recover can instead become particularly painful.

• Increased crying : Does your baby cry mainly when Breastfeeding or drinking? Sucking and swallowing can increase ear pain due to constant pressure equalization. But even without the additional strain, an ear infection is uncomfortable and can cause general distress, which your child may express through fussing and crying.

• Fever : If your baby or toddler has a severe middle ear infection, it may be most noticeable through a high fever.

• Accumulation and discharge of pus in the ear : If the pressure on the eardrum becomes too high, it can rupture. As a result, purulent discharge—often mixed with blood—may come out of the ear.

• Hearing impairment If purulent secretions accumulate on the eardrum, they can act like a sound insulator. As a result, your child may hear much worse.

• Non-specific Stomach pain : Otitis media can cause stomach pain or vomiting, especially in babies and young children. In most cases, these symptoms occur together with a high fever.

How long does a middle ear infection last?

The good news: An ear infection in babies and young children usually <\/span> subsides within a few days . If the eardrum was injured during the infection, it will typically heal within about one to two weeks. Once the symptoms have subsided and the fever has gone down, your child can again KiTa visit . Inform the educators if your child still needs to take medication. It should continue to be given at the same times.

Is an ear infection contagious?

The middle ear infection itself is not contagious and develops from other infections or inflammation within the body. This distinguishes it from other inflammations of the ear canal. However, the infections that can lead to an ear infection—such as a cold or tonsillitis—are contagious. If your child is very susceptible to Otitis media , you should avoid contact with children and adults who have colds or are ill.

What to do in case of otitis media?

In the case of an ear infection, rest and watchful waiting have proven effective. For you and your child, this means that at first only the symptoms—such as fever and ear pain—are treated with fever-reducing and pain-relieving suppositories or syrup. Antibiotics are usually not effective because the inflammation is often caused by viruses. Decongestant nasal drops can also be helpful support, but they should not be used for longer than seven days and only in consultation with your pediatrician.

You can also make sure to keep water away from your little explorer’s ear and elevate their head while sleeping so that the secretion can drain.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If a severe middle ear infection isn’t treated adequately, it can sometimes lead to complications. For example, the infection could spread to the inner ear, trigger meningitis, or lead to the formation of an abscess.

You should definitely see a doctor
Visit a doctor if :

• Your child has a fever over 38 degrees.

• Purulent and/or bloody discharge is coming from the ear.

• The symptoms persist despite antipyretic and analgesic medications.

What home remedies help?

As with other childhood illnesses, there are home remedies for an ear infection that can make the inflammation more manageable for your child, support the healing process, and help relieve pain.

• Heat, for example in the form of an infrared lamp , can relieve pain and promote circulation. Many children find warmth soothing. Since infrared light can damage the eyes, make sure the lamp is placed at a safe distance and protect your child’s eyes.

• Warm Onion Poultice can promote blood circulation and may also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Cut an onion into small pieces, heat it in boiling water or in the microwave, and then wrap it in a cloth. Once the onion has cooled slightly, you can place it as a small pack on your child’s ear.

• Calf wraps can be especially helpful with a high fever and may lower the temperature.

Whether your child will frequently suffer from ear infections is unfortunately out of your control. What matters most is giving your little explorer even more comfort and attention during this uncomfortable illness than usual. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that your child will feel better again very soon!