Otitis Media In Children

What is otitis media in children?

Otitis media is an ear infection. Your child may have an ear infection in one or both ears. Children are most likely to get ear infections when they are between 3 months and 3 years old. Ear infections are most common during the winter and early spring months. Children often have ear infections more than once.

What causes otitis media in children?

Your child may get an ear infection when his eustachian tubes become swollen or blocked. Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. They drain fluid away from the middle ear. Children with ear infections have a buildup of fluid and pressure in their ear. The ear may become infected by germs, which grow easily in the fluid trapped behind the eardrum.

Who is at an increased risk for otitis media?

• Children who go to daycare or school.
  
  
• Children who live or play around people who smoke.
  
  
• Children whose brother, sister, or parent has had problems with ear infections.
  
  
• Babies who get their first ear infection before 6 months of age.
  
  
• Children born with conditions such as cleft palate or Down syndrome.
  
  
• Children who suck on pacifiers after 10 months of age.
  
  
• Children who drink bottles while they lie flat.

What are the signs and symptoms of otitis media in children?

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child has ear pain. He may tug, pull, or rub his ear. He may not eat as much due to pain when he sucks, swallows, or chews.
  
  
• Your child is fussy and restless. He may also have trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Your child has pus or yellowish fluid coming out of his ear.
  
  
• Your child has trouble hearing. He may not hear quiet noises that he normally hears. He may seem like he is not paying attention to you. He may try to sit very close to the TV or ask to turn up his music.
  
  
• Your child may be dizzy or lose his balance.

How is otitis media in children diagnosed?

Your child's caregiver will look inside your child's ears. The caregiver may blow a puff of air inside your child's ears. These tests tell caregivers if your child's eardrums look healthy. If your child's eardrum is infected, it will not move as it should. A tympanogram is another test that may be done. During the test, an ear plug is put into each of your child's ears and air pressure is used to see how the eardrum moves. It can help your child's caregiver learn if your child has fluid in his middle ear.

How is otitis media in children treated?

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: These help decrease your child's pain and fever. They are available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give to your child and how often to give it.
    
    
  • Ear drops: These help treat your child's ear pain.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: These help kill the germs that caused your child's ear infection.
  
  
• Ear tubes: Your child may need ear tubes if he has infections often. He may need them if he has fluid in his ears that causes hearing loss. During this procedure, the caregiver will cut a small hole in your child's eardrum. The caregiver will put in a small tube to help fluid drain.

What can I do to help prevent otitis media?

• Wash your and your child's hands often: This will help prevent the spread of germs. Encourage everyone in your house to wash their hands with soap and water after they use the bathroom. Everyone should also wash their hands after they change a child's diaper and before they prepare or eat food.
  
  
• Keep your child away from people who are ill: Germs are easily and quickly spread in daycare centers. Keep your child away from sick playmates. Try to keep him home if there is a cold or other infection going around daycare.
  
  
• Keep your child away from people who smoke: Babies and children who are around people who smoke are more likely to have ear infections.
  
  
• If possible, breastfeed your baby: Your baby may be less likely to get an ear infection if he is breastfed.
  
  
• Do not give your child a bottle while he is lying down: This may cause liquid from his sinuses to leak into his eustachian tube.
  
  
• Vaccinate your child: Talk to your child's caregiver about the shots your child needs.

What are the risks of otitis media in children?

Ear infections can cause your child to have a short-term hearing loss. Your child's hearing usually returns to normal when the infection is gone. Sometimes ear infections lead to permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can cause your child to have problems with learning and speaking clearly.

When should I contact my child's caregiver?

Contact your child's caregiver if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child is still not eating or drinking 24 hours after he takes his medicine.
  
  
• Your child still has signs and symptoms of an ear infection 48 hours after he takes his medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You see blood or pus draining from your child's ear.
  
  
• Your child seems confused or cannot stay awake.
  
  
• Your child has a stiff neck and a fever.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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