Middle ear infection in babies and toddlers

The concern is great when your own child cries more often, frequently touches their ear, and appears listless. A middle ear infection can be the cause of this behavior, which mainly affects children between six months and six years old. One thing is clear: when your child suffers, you suffer too. Therefore, we have compiled some tips for you on how to quickly recognize a middle ear infection and how you can help your little explorer.

How does one get an ear infection?

Otitis media , what is most likely to affect your child, called in medicine as otitis media after a Respiratory infection or tonsillitis . The secretions produced during such infections are actually a good breeding ground for viruses. They multiply in the mouth and throat area and can then ascend through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is still much shorter in children, but it is also wider than in adults. Therefore, viruses – and bacteria as well – have an easy game.

How does an ear infection manifest in my child?

The symptoms of an ear infection unfortunately do not differ much from those of other childhood illnesses. Especially in babies who cannot yet express their discomfort, a reliable diagnosis is impossible for you.

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 best recognize it by the fact that your little explorer often touches their ear – the so-called ear compulsion.

• Difficulty falling asleep : At night, an ear infection can become especially uncomfortable, as jaw or headache pain often occurs then. The rest that should primarily benefit your child instead becomes particularly painful.

• Erhöhtes Weinen : Your baby cries mainly when Breastfeeding or Drinking? Sucking and swallowing increase the ear pain due to the constant pressure equalization. But even without the additional strain, an ear infection is uncomfortable and can cause general discomfort, which your child expresses through fussing and crying.

• Fever : Is your baby or toddler suffering from a severe middle ear infection, which is mainly noticeable through a high fever.

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

• Hearing impairment If purulent secretions actually accumulate on the eardrum, it acts as a sound insulator. As a result, your child hears much worse.

• Non-specific Stomach pain : Otitis media can especially cause stomach pain or vomiting 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 heal in about one to two weeks. Once the symptoms have subsided and the fever has decreased, your child can again the KiTa visit . Inform the educators if medications still need to be taken. They should continue to be administered at the same time.

Is an ear infection contagious?

The middle ear infection itself is not contagious and develops from other infections or inflammations within the body. This distinguishes them from other inflammations of the ear canal. However, the infections that can cause an ear infection, such as a cold or tonsillitis, are contagious. If your child is very susceptible to Otitis media is, 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, primarily Rest and watchful waiting treatment proven. For you and your child, this means that initially 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 caused by viruses. Decongestant nasal drops are also considered suitable support but should not be used for longer than seven days and only in consultation with the pediatrician.

Also, you can make sure to keep water away from your little explorer's ear and elevate their head while sleeping so that the secret can drain.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If a severe middle ear infection is not treated adequately, it can sometimes lead to secondary 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/a
Visit a doctor , when :

• 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 comfortable for your child, support the healing process, and help alleviate the pain.

• Heat, for example in the form of an infrared lamp , has a pain-relieving and circulation-promoting effect. Many children find the warmth to be pleasant. Since infrared light can damage the eyes, you should ensure that the lamp is placed at a safe distance and protect your child's eyes.

• Warm Onion Poultice promote blood circulation and 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 onions have cooled slightly, you can place them as a little pack on your child's ear.

• Calf wraps can especially be supportive with high fever and lower the temperature.

Whether your child will frequently suffer from an ear infection or not is unfortunately out of your control. It is important that you give your little explorer even more attention during this uncomfortable illness than usual. We're keeping our fingers crossed that your child will be feeling better again very soon!