How to Treat Middle Ear Infection

Posted on October 18th, 2009 by aileen

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Middle ear infection, what is also known as Otitis Media, is a common childhood illness. This condition commonly goes away after a few days and doesn’t need treatment unless there are serious complications. Here are some things you should know to treat Otitis Media effectively.

Symptoms

Earache
Pulling at their ears
Irritability
Don’t respond well because of decreased hearing
Fever with a temperature of about 30° Celsius or 100° Fahrenheit.
Ear drainage
Head aches

Cause

Middle ear infection usually follows a viral infection. Because of the infection, the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluids accumulate and block the ear canal.

Treatments

Otitis Media normally heals on its own. Doctors observe the child for about 3 days. If the infection doesn’t go away, that’s the time that the child may require treatments or surgery, if the case is serious.
Over the Counter pain reliever, like Acetaminophen (tylenol) is given to relieve pain. Avoid giving Aspirin, especially to very young children, to avoid Reye’s Syndrome.
Ear drops may also be given to ease pain.
Myringotomy, or an ear surgery, may be required to drain the fluids that accumulated inside the ear. A tube will be inserted to let the fluids flow out of the ear and equalize the pressure.

Home Care

Warm Compress is an effective way of relieving ear pains. Place a warm cloth over the affected part.
Help your child take his mind off his pain by engaging him in activities like, story telling and watching TV.
Monitoring your child’s ears frequently will help you know whether the condition is getting worse or not.

Prevention

Children can easily get sick because their immune system are not yet fully developed. Avoid letting your child play or go near sick children or adults.
Breast feed your child. Breast milk contains enough nutrients and immunoglobulin that can help improve your child’s immune system.
Adults may try to take decongestants and other flu medicines, to treat the underlying cause of otitis media.