Ear Infection in Babies

Ear Infection in Babies

Ear infection in babies is also referred to as acute Otitis media. It occurs when the area between the outer ear and inner/middle ear gets inflamed, infected and clogged with fluid. The resulting inflammation of this area causes the eardrum to bulge and become red in addition to pain and fever symptoms. This condition is among the most common childhood sicknesses and targets children under 4 years old.

What Causes Ear Infection in Babies?
The short immature Eustachian tube is one of the primary causes of this condition. The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. Bacteria from the throat and nose can access the middle ear easily. Colds also result in ear infections because of the accumulation of Mucus at the back of the nose, consequently providing a breeding environment for the bacteria. Similarly, the middle ear produces mucus, which when fed on by germs results in the formation of pus and thick mucus. The accumulation of pus leads to the bulging and redness of the eardrum, causing the child to experience pain. Hearing ability will also be affected since the discharge pressing on the eardrum interferes with its vibrations. The conduction of the vibrations to the small bones is also hampered.

How Would I Know It’s an Ear Infection?

Finding about an ear infection in babies can be hard since they are not capable of communicating what they feel. If you are a parent, you should look out for the following signs:

• A fever that is above 102°F (39°C).


• Heightened irritability and crying, particularly when they’re lying down. This may indicate pain caused by pressure build up on the Eustachian tubes as observed during an ear infection.


• Problems with sleeping.


• Vomiting, decreased appetite, or Diarrhea.


• Unresponsiveness to sound.


• Pus or fluid flowing out of the baby’s ear. This could be a sign of a punctured eardrum that occurs as a result of too much pressure caused by the fluid in the middle ear.


• A crust forming around the ear.


• Imbalance due to dizziness.

How to Deal With Ear Infection in Babies
Are Antibiotics Necessary?
Antibiotics have been the standard prescription for ear infections for years, but it is now revealed that they are not the best treatment option. Researchers found that 80% of ear infection in babies clears up on its own in around 3 days without antibiotics. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to the bacteria becoming more resilient. It is for this reason that the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends holding off antibiotics for 2-3 days in most cases.

However, in some cases antibiotics are necessary. Prescription is recommended when dealing with:

• Children under the age of 6 months


• Children between the ages of 6 month to 12 years with serious symptoms

Call your doctor if your baby’s symptoms did not improve after a few days of getting the ear infection. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to let your child finish the full course. A follow-up examination by the doctor may be performed to check how the medication has worked.

If antibiotics did not seem to work after taking it for a couple of days, the doctor may perform another examination on your child or change the prescription of medications.

Home Remedy

• Warm compress

To decrease the pain, you can place a warm compress on your baby’s ear for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Acetaminophen

If your baby is 6 months or older, you can administer acetaminophen to ease the pain. Follow the doctor’s instructions when using drugs and read the instructions on the packaging. For best results, give the medication before bed.

• Warm oil

If you do not suspect a perforated eardrum, and there is no fluid draining from the baby’s ear, you can put a few drops of warm or room temperature sesame or olive oil in the baby’s ear.

• Keep hydrated

Giving your baby fluids can help. Swallowing helps drain the fluid trapped in the Eustachian tube.

• Elevate baby’s head

To deal with ear infection in babies, ensure the baby’s head is elevated when sleeping. Place a pillow under the mattress and not under the baby’s head. This will help with the sinus drainage.

• Homeopathic eardrops

Homeopathic ear drops have extracts from natural ingredients like calendula, lavender, mullein, garlic and St. John’s wort found in olive oil. They are all helpful in relieving pain and inflammation.

Can Ear Infections in Babies Be Prevented?
There is no sure way of doing it, but you can reduce the risk of ear infections in babies by:

• Breastfeeding for the first year. The risk of ear infections is reduced by the antibodies found in breast milk. When bottle feeding, ensure the baby is sitting upright as milk easily flows to the middle ear if the baby is lying down.


• Try preventing colds as much as possible. Keeping the baby’s hands clean and reduce the time spent in groups/crowds to help decrease the chances of getting a cold.


• Follow up on your baby’s allergies. Mucus can lead to blockage of the Eustachian tube, which later leads to an infection.


• Avoid smoking. Babies who are exposed to second-hand smoke have a higher risk of getting ear infections.


• Vaccination also helps. Ask for Meningitis, flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Research reports that babies who are vaccinated are less likely to get ear infections.

Essential Oils for Ear Infection

Essential Oils for Ear infection

Ear infection is common in both adults and children. The middle ear infection, also called Otitis media (OM), is probably the most common among all types of ear infections. It causes an obstruction in the Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to your nose. It could happen due to a viral or bacterial infection. Whatever the type, an ear infection will result in severe pain. The problem is that you can improve your condition if you have a bacterial infection, but antibiotics will not work on viruses. This is when you can make use of essential oils for ear infection. Keep reading to learn more about using essential oil to treat your ear infection.

Causes and Symptoms of Ear Infection
When you develop an ear infection, your Eustachian tubes will become blocked that will lead to fluid build-up in your ear. This may happen due to several issues, including colds, allergies, excess Mucus, Sinus Infections, tobacco smoking, and swollen tissues called adenoids, which are near your tonsils.

If your child has developed an ear infection, you may notice symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, pulling at an ear, loss of balance, Headache, drainage of fluid from the ear, and a fever higher than 100° Fahrenheit. Your child will also cry more than usual, act more irritable, and lose appetite as well. However, adults will experience drainage of fluid, ear pain, and diminished hearing after the development of an ear infection.

Essential Oils for Ear Infection
It is possible to alleviate ear pain by using essential oils.Here are some essential oils you can use.

1. Lavender Oil


Extracted from flowers of the lavender plant, lavender oil offers several health benefits. It helps relieve pain, enhance blood circulation, remove nervous tension, and treat respiratory problems. You will experience its calming effect when using as aromatherapy. It works amazingly well to relieve earache caused by an infection.

How to apply: Simply take some lavender oil and apply it to the outer ear. Rub gently for some time. Repeat several times a day for relief.

2. Olive Oil


Olive oil is one of the best essential oils for ear infection because it not only decreases the irritation in your inner and outer ear, but also helps open up the Eustachian tubes. It also produces soothing effects when it makes contact with the swollen eardrum. This will also reduce pain sensations. Regular use of olive oil may also prevent excessive build-up of earwax, which ensures the water drains out of your ear canal.

How to apply: Simply apply some warm olive oil to your ear and wait until the wax gets softer. This will make it easier to remove. Be sure to cover the ear using a cotton ball after pouring a few drops of warm olive oil in your ear. Repeat several times a day for pain relief.

3. Tea Tree Oil


It serves as a great home remedy for a variety of infections. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it's effective against ear infections caused by viruses or bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce inflammation and pain. Your earache is partly due to the build-up of fluid in your ear, but tea tree oil helps to dry it up, which in turn will reduce pain.

How to apply: Take a small pan and add 3 drops of tea tree oil in it. Also, add a teaspoon of colloidal silver, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in the pan. Heat it slightly. Now, place a towel under your head and lay with your affected ear towards the roof. Use a dropper to pour warm mixture you have just prepared in your ear. Leave it in your ear for about 10 minutes and then change sides to drain it out. Repeat a couple of times a day for 3 days.

4. Oregano


Oregano oil is among the most effective essential oils for ear infection; however, you should dilute it before use and avoid it if you are on blood thinning drugs.

How to apply: Take some oregano oil and rub it on the outside of your ear. Never put it in the ear canal.

5. Basil Essential Oil


Basil is an antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a muscle relaxant, and is an effective way to treat ear infections as well as throat, respiratory, and lung infections.

How to apply: Dip a cotton ball in basil oil or place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball to make it wet. Now, place it in your ear. Do not push it further; just put it inside to let the vapours to reach the infection. Change the cotton ball several times a day and replace with new ones to clear infection.

6. Thyme Essential Oil


Thyme essential oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties due to the presence of an active compound called thymol. Using it regularly will help clear your ear infection and relieve pain.

How to apply: Mix a tablespoon of almond oil, 2 drops of thyme oil and 2 drops of lavender oil together. Apply a couple of drops of this mixture on the outside of your infected ear to relieve pain. Do not use it inside your ear canal or it may worse the condition.

7. More Essential Oils to Help

• Bishop's weed oil is also among some of the best essential oils for ear infections. Make a mixture by adding a teaspoon of bishops weed oil in 3 teaspoons of sesame oil and pour 5 drops of it in your affected ear for relief.


• Use peppermint oil or peppermint juice to treat your ear infection. Be sure to use it around your ear.


• Mustard oil may also help because it has antibacterial properties.


• Combine sesame oil with the castor plant leaves and heat it for some time. Strain it and leave it to cool. Pour a couple of drops of it in your affected ear for pain relief.

More Remedies to Treat Ear Infection
In addition to using essential oils for ear infection, you can also try some other home remedies to relieve pain. For instance:

• Apply a heating pad on your affected ear for pain relief.


• Crush some garlic cloves and pour its juice in your affected ear to clear infection.


• Take some mango leaves and extract their juice. Warm it a bit and put a couple of drops of juice in your affected ear for relief.


• Chop a small onion and put it in the microwave for a few minutes. Let it cool and extract its juice. Put a couple of drops of this juice in your ear to get rid of your pain.


• Take water and apple cider vinegar in equal quantities and make a mixture. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and put it in your ear for five minutes. Remove the cotton ball after five minutes and lay on the opposite side of your infected ear to drain out the solution.


• Breast milk can help fight infections. Add a couple of drops of breast milk in your infected ear with the help of a dropper and repeat after every couple of hours for pain relief.

Flying with Ear Infection

Flying with Ear infection

It is not uncommon for your ears to "pop" during a flight. This is caused by a build-up of pressure inside of the cabin as the plane ascends and descends. Although some people may find it irritating, having your ears pop isn't anything to worry about. However, some people may wonder if it is safe to travel with an ear infection.

Is Flying with Ear Infection Safe?



It is usually recommended that you don't fly if you have an ear infection. With an ear infection, the Eustachian tubes become clogged with fluid and the pressure inside of the plane's cabin can cause severe pain in your ears. In addition, along with the pain, the eardrums can be damaged during a flight.

The Eustachian tubes are located at the back of the eardrum and run to the back of the throat. Normally, the tubes are clear and allow for air pressure to be equalized on both sides of the eardrums. However, if you do have an ear infection, fluid can build-up in the tubes and clog them, which doesn't allow the pressure to equalize.

Possible Effects of Flying with Ear Infection
If you do fly with an ear infection or if your Eustachian tubes are clogged, you may experience some unusual symptoms. While the most common symptom will be severe pain due to the pressure changes in the cabin, you may also experience Vertigo. Vertigo usually makes you feel dizzy and you may feel nauseous and vomit.

Another symptom you may experience during a flight is Tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can also cause a temporary loss of hearing. Due to the pressure placed on the ears during a flight, it is possible that the tympanic membranes, or the eardrums, may rupture if your Eustachian tubes are severely clogged.

Sometimes chewing gum, yawning and swallowing will help ease the pressure on the ears during a flight. However, if you have an ear or Sinus Infection, these tricks may not help ease the pain or pressure you may experience.

If Flying Is Unavoidable, What Can Be Done?
For people who fly frequently for business or are in the travel industry, flying with ear infection may be unavoidable. However, they may be able to avoid pain and complications by taking an over-the-counter decongestant or with frequent swallowing.

1. Take OTC Decongestant
If you have a mild ear infection, taking a decongestant may help you get through a flight. Many decongestants come in form of a capsule to be taken orally or you can also find decongestants in a liquid form, which is applied in the nose with a dropper or sprayed.

A decongestant can be taken before or during a flight, but to get the best results, it should be taken the day and evening before. This allows the inflammation in the sinuses and ear canal to ease, which can help reduce pain. If you have a severe ear infection, it is best to seek medical attention before flying.

2. Swallow Frequently
Swallowing can also help reduce the discomfort of an ear infection during a flight. Many people will chew gum or suck on a piece of hard candy. This helps to produce extra saliva in the mouth, which leads to more frequent swallowing and helps to ease some pressure in the ears.

3. Popping Your Ears
"Popping" your ears may also help prevent pain by helping to unblock the ears so the air pressure can be equalized in them. To pop them, pinch your nose and close your mouth. After directing the air in your mouth to the back of your throat, gently blow to help increase the pressure in your ears. You should feel or hear a "pop," which means your ears have cleared. You may need to "pop" your ears again during the plane's descent.

4. Try Pressure-Regulating Earplug
If you haven't had any success with these methods, you may want to try buying a pair of earplugs that will help regulate the pressure when flying with ear infection. Earplugs can be bought in pharmacies or at airport gift shops and worn during the plane's ascent and descent.

What If It Is My Kid, How Can I Help?


If possible, infants who have an ear infection should not fly and you should postpone the flight for a few days. This will give the antibiotic they were prescribed a chance to work to clear the infection and unclog their ears. However, if you cannot avoid flying, you should consult with your child's pediatrician.

1. Nasal Decongestant
Children over the age of two can be given a nasal decongestant with the approval of a pediatrician. The medication should be given to them about one hour before flying or about an hour before landing. However, this preventative isn't guaranteed to work for your child. For children under two years old, decongestants are no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

2. Saline Nasal Spray
As the air inside of the cabin is usually dry, you may wish to use a saline nasal spray to help combat the dry humidity. A saline spray can be given to children of any age, including infants. In addition, make sure they are hydrated by having older children drink water or juice instead of carbonated beverages and nursing or feeding infants before or during the flight.

3. Breast or Bottle-Feeding
In addition to keeping them hydrated, breast or bottle-feeding during take-offs or landings will also help when flying with ear infection because it encourages babies to swallow. Bottle-feeding may be best as it is safer to keep infants in their car seat during a flight. A pacifier doesn't help as much because it doesn't allow for beneficial swallowing. Older children can be given a juice box or a cup from which to sip. Squeeze a little of the juice into the straw so as they suck on it, the action will help clear their ears.

4. WARNING
If ear pain does not ease soon after landing, you should consult with your pediatrician. Although not all ear pain is due to an ear infection, infants and young children can get middle ear infections after a flight. An infection is caused because fluid is clogging the middle ear and being exposed to germs.

Ear Infections in Adults

Ear infections in Adults

Most people relate ear pain with ear infection, but the pain and discomfort at or near the ear can be a result of many problems. This article will figure out the hidden causes of ear infections. Most of the ear infections take place inside ears and usually there are no signs of infection at the outside. A different infection type displays redness and swelling outside the ear and you may feel the pain. Therefore, you need to understand more about ear infections to better monitor your conditions and prevent further damage.

Symptoms and Causes of Ear Infections in Adults
Bacterial and viral invasion are the most common causes of infection in the ear. You should also be aware of certain risk factors like smoking, Sinusitis, air pollution, exposure to smoke, drinking when lying down, etc. to avoid getting infected. The infectious agent enters into the ear canal, especially when the person has cold, flu, breathing problem or other allergies; the infection may then get into the middle of ear to cause more serious symptoms. Below are 2 common types of ear infections along with symptoms and causes:

1. Swimmer's Ear in Adults
Also called as Otitis externa, this condition refers to external ear infections. These infections commonly occur in swimmers when the contaminated water enters the outer part of the ear canal. Germs then enter and grow due to the moisture. Some typical symptoms include:

• Redness in ear


• Itchiness


• Skin flakes on ear


• Pus drainage from ears


• Earache on moving head or touching ear


• Fever

Sometimes there'stoo much debris and pus,whichshould be cleaned by the physician. You can use ear plugs while bathing and swimming to prevent swimmer's ear. You should also dry your ear after swimming or bath. Avoid inserting things into your ear and don't swim in polluted water.

2. Middle Ear Infection
Also known as Otitis Media, it is the most common infection among children. It is caused due to anatomical changes in the Eustachian tube's size and shape. When excessive bacteria or fluid is found inside the ear, it causes infection. Adults with frequent infections of middle ear must visit an ENT (an ear, nose and throat specialist) to check if the surrounding tissues of nose or throat aren't blocking the tube (and thus restricting the free drainage of the liquid).

Such an infection occurs usually after a cold virus, seasonal allergies or flying an airplane.Sticking objects like Q-tips can also cause the infection. Usually, the common symptoms include:

• Fever


• Earache


• Ear drainage


• Feeling of pressure inside the ear


• Loss of hearing capability


• Problems in balancing

Surgery to remove or reduce the size of the tissue may be required in some cases. Cigarette smoke, use of decongestant during flu and using ear-wax for cleaning must be avoided for future prevention.

When to SeekMedical Help
Symptoms of ear infections in adults can lead to multiple conditions, so it becomes imperative to get a proper diagnosis as early as possible. Call the doctor if:

• Symptoms last for more than a day.


• You have extreme earache.


• Sleeplessness and irritation after cold or any other infection.


• You notice fluid discharging from ear.

It usually takes 48-72 hours for otitis symptoms to relieve, but it may take up to 3 months for the built-in fluid to get completely drained out.

Medical Treatment for Ear Infections in Adults
In most cases, ear infection in adults resolve spontaneously, without treatment in the setting of competent immune system. But treatments that are suggested in some cases include:

1. Painkillers
To ease the earache, painkillers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) are given. They also lower the temperature (fever associated with the ongoing infection). You can also give painkillers along with the prescribed antibiotics to ease the pain. Anesthetic medicines can also be placed in the ear to ease pain, but this treatment hasn't been approved yet for children with severe earache.

2. Antibiotics
If infection doesn't clear in 2-3 days, then antibiotics are suggested; however, generally intake of antibiotics should be avoided unless it is a must. As a side-effect, antibiotics are known to cause Diarrhea and rashes. Situations in which antibiotics are suggested include:

• Development of complications


• Severe infection

Tested Home Remedies for Ear Infections in Adults
1. Salt Compress
Salt can be one of the easily available home remedies for the ear infections. Just heat a cup of salt on pan/double boiler or microwave. Then take out the salt on a cloth and tie from top.When some heat is released, place the salt filled cloth over the affected ear for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every day. Salt can be replaced with rice.

2. Heating Pad
Heat pad not only relieves pain quickly but also prevents micro-organism infestation. You need to use heating pad or warm water bottle to press against ear. Remember to apply heat for short periods. Start with 5 mins, and then remove. Apply few minutes later again.

3. Make the Best of Garlic
Naturally, garlic has the ability to relieve pain, especially earache. It can be used in different ways. You can prepare garlic oil by frying 2 cloves garlic in oil until blackish, strain and use as ear drops when slightly warm. Otherwise, just boil garlic in some water, crush and add salt, place in cloth piece and place over ear. The simplest way to apply garlic is to eat garlic daily.

4. Apply Basil Oil
Basil also works to relieve ear infections in adults. Minor earache and infections can be treated with basil. Extract juice of 4-5 basil leaves and apply on the ear and surroundings. Don't let it enter into the ear canal. You can also mix holy basil oil with carrier oil. Soak in cotton ball and wipe it inside the ear.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar in Cotton Ball
It is used to reduce fungus inside the ear. Mix apple cider vinegar in water/alcohol; soak in cotton ball and place it inside the ear for a few minutes. Remove ball and lay down for liquid to drain. Dry your ear later. White vinegar can be an alternative.

6. Olive Oil to Clean
Wax can also cause ear infection in adults. To clear it; put slightly warm olive oil drops in affected ear. It will soften wax, so you can easily wipe off using cotton swabs carefully. Mustard oil can be used as an alternative.

7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used to relieve pain and work as an antibacterial agent. Combine 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 drops tea tree oil, 1 teaspoon colloidal silver, and heat the mixture for a while. Drop the mixture in ear and leave for 5 minutes, then drain. Repeat three times a day.

8. Mullein Drops
Mullein is commonly used in the form of mullein tea. Boil 1/2 cup water then add 1 teaspoon mullein flowers and let the mullein tea cool. Now, you need to combine 1 tablespoon mullein tea with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and leave this solution over the night. After that, you need to put a drop of mixture in infected ear. If you don't want to make it on your own, mullein drops are also available readilymade.

Are Ear Infections Contagious?

Are Ear infections Contagious?

A baby crying with agony of earache is something every parent faMiliar with. Otitis mediarefers to the inflammation of middle ear (the part of ear behind the ear drum) and is commonly known as an ear infection.Ear infections are extremely common among children in the U.S. and nearly 50% of babies get an ear infection before their first birthday; and by the time they turn 3, nearly all have had an episode of ear infection. So is this condition contagious?

Are Ear Infections Contagious?
Ear infections are generally preceded by respiratory tract infections, and though the virus causing respiratory tract infections is highly contagious, an ear infection is NOT contagious itself. The virus might infect a group of children resulting in cold in all of them, but only few who are otitis-prone will develop an ear infection.

Respiratory viruses are very contagious and spread rapidly from person to person by either droplets or direct contact. A kid infected with this virus is more likely to develop an ear infection because the delicate balance between the child’s immunity and normal bacteria is disturbed. These bacteria are normally found in the body and are kept in check by the body’s defence mechanism. When this defence system is down, or the Eustachian tube is blocked, these bacteria are likely to infect the middle ear. Usually the ear infection develops a few days after the cold begins, and by that time the child is generally no longer contagious.

Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections in Children

The most common symptoms of an ear infection are fever, irritability and pain. The kid can become more cranky or fussy than usual, there can be disturbed sleep and they might refuse to eat or lie flat due to pain. Since it is associated with the Common cold, there can be runny nose or cough as well. The nasal discharge is usually clear in the beginning, turning into yellow or green with progression of the infection.

Middle ear is a closed space and during infection a significant amount of pus accumulates there. This exerts a lot of pressure on the ear drum and also reduces its ability to vibrate, resulting in excruciating pain and temporary hearing loss. In case of severe infection there can be a lot of pus and the pressure on the ear drum can lead to its rupture, resulting in Ear Discharge. Once the ear drum ruptures and the pus is drained, the pain gets better. These holes don’t need any intervention and normally heal without any complication.

When to See a Doctor
Apart from knowing the answer to “Are ear infections contagious?” you should also be aware that the signs and symptoms of ear infection in children are associated with a lot of other conditions as well, so it is very important to get early diagnosis for appropriate treatment. The right thing to do is to contact the doctor if:

• The child is symptomatic for more than 24 hours


• Severe ear pain


• Sleeplessness or irritability, especially after a bout of common cold


• Any discharge from the ear, which can be clear fluid, purulent or blood stained

How to Deal With Ear Infections in Children
Children with ear infection generally start to get better in a couple of days without requiring any antibiotics. The treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, age and other factors.

Wait-and-See Approach
Are ear infections contagious? The answer is no. Normally the infections clear off in a couple of weeks without any treatment, although some kids do need antibiotics due to severity of symptoms. The latest guidelines from The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physiciansrecommend a wait-and-see approach for children with mild infection and low grade fever. If the fever is more than 102°F (39°C) or the symptoms are severe and last for a couple of days, a doctor must be consulted.

Pain Management
Ear infections are notoriously painful. Pain medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are helpful and can be given. The instructions on the label regarding dosage and administration must be followed. Aspirin should be avoided in children and teenagers and is always better to talk to the doctor before giving any medicine to children. Placing a warm washcloth on the ear can ease the pain but it should not be too hot.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are associated with a lot of side effects and are reserved and prescribed for severe infections. These are generally recommended when the child is having high grade feverand/or pain that does not get better in a couple of days. Antibiotics, if given, must be continued for the advised duration which is generally a week. They should not be discontinued after symptoms get better to avoid recurrent infections and developing resistance against treatment.

Preventing Ear Infections in Children
Are ear infections contagious? The answer is no. In addition, the following simple measures can be observed to minimize the risk of ear infection in children:

Breastfeeding and feed the baby in upright position: Breastfeedingincreases immunity and strengthens the defense mechanism of the child, resulting in fewer chances of getting an infection.It is very important to feed the baby in the right posture.When they are fed lying down, milk can irritate the Eustachian tubes and this can lead to an ear infection.

Daycare setting:Kids who go to over-crowded day care centers are exposed to more germs and are more likely to catch an infection. The best thing to avoid infections is to choose a place with fewer kids and better environment.

Control allergies:Allergies can play a role in recurrent infections.It is better to consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of allergies if your child is getting recurrent episodes of runny nose.

Keep the nose clear:When babies develop colds and have a runny nose, it is very important to keep the nose clear for easy breathing. This can be done by using saline nasal drops, steam or gentle suctioning.

Avoid cigarette smoke exposure:Cigarette smoke irritates the nasal passages and can lead to a lot of problems.

Echinacea:This herb can safely be used to boost immunity and avoid infections in children.

Chiropractic care:Eustachian tube blockage causes ear infection and certain chiropractic adjustments can keep them open, leading to better drainage and fewer chances of infection.

Healthy eating:Fresh fruits and vegetable contain a lot of nutrients and are well known to increase immunity. They should be introduced early into your child’s diet.

Do I Have an Ear Infection?

Do I Have an Ear infection?

An ear infection can be due to viruses or bacteria, which affect the area behind your eardrum called the middle ear. You may experience severe pain due to inflammation and fluid buildup. These infections can be acute or chronic. Acute ear infections last for a short time but can be quite painful. Chronic ear infections may not be that painful but they do not clear up easily and recur many times as well.

If left untreated, chronic ear infections may lead to permanent damage to the inner and middle ear. Unfortunately, many people are not sure if they have developed an infection and often ask, "Do I have an ear infection?" Keep reading to learn how to tell if you have developed an infection.

Am I Suffering from an Ear Infection?
In order to answer the question, "Do I have an ear infection?" it is important to understand the symptoms first:

• A sharp and sudden earache, the most common symptom


• Warm drainage from the ear canal with a sharp stabbing pain


• Nausea


• Ear drainage


• A feeling of fullness in the ear

Children may have symptoms like:

• Fever


• Poor sleep


• Tugging at the ear


• Ear drainage


• Irritability


• Crying at night


• Diminished appetite

Difference Between Earache Due to a Cold and an Ear Infection
You may experience earache due to cold. That is the reason why it is quite common to ask, "Do I have an ear infection or not?" You experience earache due to cold because the fluid in your ear puts pressure on the eardrum, which makes it to throb and bulge. If it is due to a cold, you may notice other symptoms such as fever, difficulty sleeping, and yellow/green mucus in the nose. And this type of pain will go away by itself.

It is important to understand that even when your earache is due to a cold virus, it can turn into an infection. It is possible to develop a secondary infection of the middle ear, which can happen suddenly and be extremely painful at the beginning. The pain you experience is due to increased pressure on the sensory nerve endings in the eardrum. You usually experience some relief after the eardrum stretches a little. See your doctor immediately to confirm if you have an ear infection or your earache is due to a cold.

What If an Ear Infection Is Left Untreated?
Do I have an ear infection? It is a common question, and people also ask about any complications that may arrive if they do not seek any medical advice after developing an infection. You need to understand that a middle ear infection can turn into an inner ear infection and may even result in hearing loss. Other complications involve scarring of the eardrum, facial paralysis, Meningitis, speech development problems in children, and infection of the skull behind the ear. So do seek medical help if your ear aches.

What Diagnosis for Ear Infection Is Available?
Your doctor will use an instrument called an otoscope to examine your inner ear. The instrument comes with a magnifying lens and light. The instrument helps determine if there is any redness or pus-like fluid in your ear. It also helps confirm if there is a perforation in the eardrum.

In some cases, your doctor may choose to take a sample of the fluid for further testing. The tests help determine if there are any antibiotic resistant bacteria in the ear. Your healthcare provider may also ask a CT scan to see if the infection has spread to other parts of your head as well. A hearing test may also help determine a better treatment option, especially when you have chronic ear infections.

How to Deal With Ear Infection
You may take the following steps to treat a mild ear infection.

• Take a warm cloth and apply it to your affected ear for pain relief.


• Try a decongestant like pseudoephedrine to relieve pain.


• Take OTC painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to take drugs as mentioned on the label. You should never give aspiring to children because it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. Teenagers recovering from flu-like symptoms or Chickenpox should also avoid taking aspirin.


• Make use of eardrops to relieve pain. If you have developed chronic suppurative Otitis media, which leads to perforation of the eardrum, you will have to take antibiotics in the form of drops. Talk to your doctor to learn how to remove fluids through the ear canal before using drops.


• You may consider surgery as an option if the typical medical treatments fail to produce desired results. The procedure involves placing tubes in your ear to drain out fluid. Your doctor may also consider removing the adenoids surgically if they are enlarged.

Note:You should see your doctor if your symptoms do not improve with home remedies. It is sometimes important to take antibiotics to deal with a bacterial infection. Be sure to complete your course of antibiotics and do not stop even if you start to feel better after a few days. Keep in mind that it is important to monitor the condition of your child if they have chronic ear infections. Ask your doctor about how often you should see them.

How to Prevent Ear Infection from Happening
To avoid asking, "Do I have an ear infection?" you should take steps to prevent ear infections from developing in the first place. For instance:

• Be sure to wash your hands often


• Avoid overly crowded areas


• Be sure to avoid secondhand smoke


• Forgo pacifiers with small children and infants

Chronic Ear Infections

Chronic Ear infections

Ear infections (Otitis media) can occur in adults, but are more common in infants or children. This is usually what causes infants to cry and moan with distress. It is typical for the middle or inner ear to become infected when a person has a cold or flu. As a secondary infection of the Eustachian tube which connects the upper tract of the respiratory system to the sinuses, ear infections will often result from upper respiratory infections due to travelling pathogens. Bacteria or viruses will infect the respiratory tract and then travel to the middle ear, sometimes even causing chronicear infections.

Why Do YourEar Infections Become Chronic?

Fluids inside the middle ear can get trappedwhen travelling through the Eustachian tube on its normal route to the back of the throat.The result is a swelling of the middle to inner ear. This is of high concern, as the infection can cause lasting damage to the ear.

Your ear infection may become chronic due to the following reasons:

• You keep scratching or poking your ears, damaging the skin in your ear canal.


• Youare not using your ear drops correctly by letting the drops out too quickly.


• Your ear is infected with resistant bacteria. If this is the case, ask your doctor for a different ear drop.


• You have allergic reactions to ear drops, causing even more itch and discharge.

Chronic ear infections will usually last at least 3 months and this can be damaging due to swelling behind the eardrum. A buildup of fluid can also rupture and end up draining to other areas of the head.

Chronic Ear Infection Signs
Certain signs indicate the presence of ear infections of a chronic nature. Symptoms can be transient in nature, so you may not always be aware of what is going on. The symptoms of a chronic ear infection can include:

• Pressure sensations in the ear


• Pain in the ear


• Ears producing fluid discharge


• Transient or low-grade fever


• Obstruction of ability to hear


• Insomnia


• Confusion


• Swelling behind ear


• Balance problems


• Facial weakness


• Lasting deep ear pain


• Persistant Headache

Babies will become extremely restless under these circumstances and they will grab their ears and pull. This is a clear indication that they are possibly experiencing an ear infection. It is best, at this stage, to consult a pediatrician. Sometimes teething is the cause, so don't try to diagnose it yourself.

When to Consult a Physician
Understand that it is important to treat an ear infection, as they may become chronic ear infections quite easily. Symptoms typically include fever, pain, and difficulty with hearing problems such as reduced hearing or ringing in the ears. Ask your doctor about any of the following, especially for child:

• Previous diagnosis of an ear infection which is unresponsive to treatment like antibiotics


• There is an existing diagnosis and worsening of symptoms occur or new symptoms arise


• When a child has repeated symptoms of ear infection

Treatment of Chronic Ear Infections
1. Home Remedies
When you or your child has a chronic ear infection, treatment by a physician will be necessary. Still, there are remedies you can apply at home:

• You can use ear drops for numbing the infection, but ask a pharmacist first


• Use a warm or cold cloth compress at the area of pain


• Over-the-counter painkillers can help


• Avoid scratching or poking your ears


• Do not let shampoo or soap to get into the ears


• Keep your ear dry

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2. Initial Treatments
Usually, it is simple to treat ear infections with medication such as corticosteroids and antibiotics. Sometimes ventilation tubes need to be placed in the ear, but this is more typical with children. As long as the ear fluid drains properly, chronic ear infections can be avoided. Children will often get repeated infections in this area of the body and ventilation tubes placed in the Eustachian tubes will be necessary until these vital drainage tissues become fully mature.

3.

Medications
For severe infections, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. This does require a hospital stay or managed home care. The goal is to avoid perforation of the eardrum, which could damage hearing. Otherwise, antibiotics both orally and as ear drops will usually be prescribed particularly in the case of perforation.

4. Surgery
Sometimes surgery will be necessary for these infections when they are chronic. This is done when the infection is under control. Surgery is implemented with three specific goals:

• To get rid of chronic infection


• To preserve hearing


• To restructure the bones around the middle ear to improve drainage and halt relapse

There can be two phases to the surgery, but the aim is to restructure the mastoid bone. Procedures involved go by the names of tympanomastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, and mastoidectomy. All of these procedures will aim to take away infected tissues and bone to prevent the recurrence of the infection. Many of these miraculous acts of surgical medicine can be performed on an outpatient basis. Bones which conduct sound are involved, so these are sensitive procedures which use a restructuring of these bones to achieve a lasting effect.

Preventing Chronic Ear Infections
Whether it is you or your child experiencing the chronic ear infections, there are solutions. Prevention is the initial step. You can discuss prevention of ear infections with your physician. Since children are at a higher risk, it will be important to find prevention solutions with the pediatrician. Treating any existing ear infection will help reduce the risk of chronic infection.

Also, consider vaccinations for Pneumonia and the flu. Many ear infections are caused primarily by these conditions. You will also want to ask a doctor about these vaccinations if you are at risk for any reason. Sometimes medications can compromise your immunity and increase the risk of chronic ear infections for you or your child. You may also consult the CDC to provide you with more information about serious conditions like Meningitis. 50% of ear infections are caused by this condition or pneumonia and both could be dangerous or even life threatening.