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The more you know, the more you can help.
You've seen your child's symptoms. Crying all night. No appetite. Waking every hour or two, running a fever, tugging at their ears. You are up with your child and walking him or her all night long trying to give comfort. Neither of you getting any sleep and both of you miserable. Just when you thought you had it conquered for the season, your child's ear infection is back.
If you use an antibiotic... Remember to follow these tips.
Bacteria are often the culprits. Fortunately, the right antibiotics may help. But your role is also crucial. And the more you know about ear infections, the better prepared you are to fight them.
What is an ear infection?
Why does my child keep getting them?
Otitis media, more commonly known as an ear infection, is an inflammation of the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum), and is often caused by bacteria. It can affect one or both ears, typically occurs with, or just after, a cold, and is usually accompanied by fluid and mucus build-up within the middle ear tubes. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all the fluid.
Ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children. If your child does not yet talk, you need to look for signs of an infection:Other signs of ear infection:
- Tugging or pulling at ears.
- Crying more than usual.
- Irritability.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Ear drainage, thick yellow fluid.
- Balance difficulties, dizziness.
- Hearing problems, loss of hearing.
- Vomiting.
- Ringing, popping, and pressure in ear.
- Mild or severe ear pain.
- Fever.
- Blood drainage from ear if eardrum has ruptured. A ruptured eardrum should repair itself in about two weeks, but the child should see their health care provider as soon as possible.
Often, ear infections go away on their own, but your health care provider may recommend pain relievers. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotic medication. Children who get frequent infections may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again.
- If you suspect you child has an ear infection, see your health care provider.
- Don't Insist on a prescription for an antibiotic if your child has a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.
- Complete the prescription, even after your child starts to feel well.
- Never share antibiotics with a sibling or anyone else. Throw away leftovers.
- Tell your child's health care provider if your child is taking other medicines or using other therapies.
- Follow your health care provider's instructions carefully. Give doses on schedule for the number of days indicated.
- Remember to keep all medications well out of children's reach.
- Be sure to ask about potential side effects of the medication.
- Be aware of possible allergic reactions that may occur. If allergic reactions occur, discontinue medication use. Report any unusual or unexpected symptoms to your health care provider.
Although ear infections are not directly contagious, the colds and other respiratory tract infections that often precede them are. That's why children in day care and nursery school settings get ear infections frequently.
If you suspect your child has an ear infection, call your health care provider. If appropriate, your health care provider will prescribe an antibiotic medication, whether this be allopathic, homeopathic, or naturopathic. Don't insist that your health care provider prescribe your child an antibiotic, because at times antibiotics are neither necessary nor appropriate (as in the case of a viral infection).
Can ear infections cause hearing loss or speech problems?
Ear infections can sometimes cause temporary hearing loss as a result of fluid build-up in the middle ear. Since children learn to speak by listening to others, this can occasionally result in speech and language delays.
What are antibiotics and how do they work?
Antibiotics are medications that either kill bacteria or stop them from growing. They are commonly prescribed for bacterial infections involving the respiratory tract. There are many kinds of antibiotics. The specific antibiotic and the type of infection it's being used to treat determine the number of days and the number of doses per day the antibiotic needs to be taken. Some antibiotics can be taken for five days, while others are taken for up 10 to 14 days. Your health care provider can determine which is appropriate for your child's condition.
Are antibiotics good for fighting colds too?
No. Antibiotics don't work at all against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Your health care provider can determine the type of infection your child has and whether an antibiotic is necessary.
Why does my child have to keep taking antibiotics after he or she starts to feel better?
It is natural for your child to begin feeling better soon after starting antibiotics because they've begun their job of knocking out harmful bacteria. But just because your child's symptoms may be gone does not mean that the antibiotics have finished their work. If you stop antibiotics before the full course is finished, the infection may not be completely treated. Be sure to give your child the recommended therapy-medication as directed by the child's health care provider.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Ear Infection or Ear Ache
Parents can prevent their children from getting ear infections by not smoking, breastfeeding the baby (if possible), washing hands regularly, keeping the child's immunizations up to date (See Vaccinations for more information about choices), placing the child in a small daycare (if possible) and avoiding pacifier use. Bottle-fed babies should never take a bottle while laying flat in a crib. Home care for a child with an ear infection should include pain relievers made especially for children, applying a warm washcloth or heating pad to the ear, encouraging rest and using ear drops when prescribed by a health care provider. Never give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 years old.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic and can be taken orally or as an earwash.
- Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz.
- Colloidal Silver Pump Spray, Silva Solution, 2 fl. oz.
Manganese deficiencies have been linked to ear disorders.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids boost immunity and fights infection.
- Vitamin C Liquid for Baby & Children, 4 fl. oz.
- Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Dynamic Health
- Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Zinc helps reduce infection.
- Zinc Lozenges W / Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
- Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
- Ionic Zinc, 50 mg, 2 fl. oz., Trace Minerals
Evening Primrose Oil reduces infection and inflammation.
Vitamin B Complex is essential for healing and immune function.
Vitamin E enhances immune function.
- Vitamin E-1000, Now Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels
- Vitamin E, d-alpha tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
- Vitamin E Supplements & Products / Alpha-tocopherol
Echinacea can stop an ear infection if caught early.
Olive Leaf Extract helps the body fight infection.
OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS
AHCC is a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta glucan 1,3 and activated hemicellulose produced by enzymatic modification of organic medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake. Immune system support.
Nature's warfare, this book covers tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract use in safely destroying viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts, and parasites that want to live in us and on us.
First Defense Homeopathic Formula for Children is a complete and effective natural broad spectrum anti-infective formula available for infants and children. Completely safe and non-toxic for infants and children of all ages. A homeopathic formula.
Nutribiotic Ear Drops are an excellent topical treatment for ear aches, swimmer's ear and over-production of wax.
Truman's Ear Oil for adults and children used for ear aches, infections, and for ear wax buildup.
Support Antibiotic Tincture is a natural antibiotic used to support the immune system.
Ear, Nose, Throat Supplements, Information, & Products For Children
Colds / Common, Chest, Head Colds Supplements, Information, & Products For Children
EAR CANDLING & EAR CARE SUPPLIES
Ear Candling Kits: Starter Kit contains all the basic supplies you need for several ear candling sessions. Deluxe Kit contains everything included in the Starter Kit plus additional supplies and accessories for a more complete and effective ear candling experience. Mini Pack contains all the basics needed for an ear candling session.
All Natural Herbal Ear Oil. This oil can be used in the ear canal to soothe the ear and prevent infection, Also used to soften ear wax.
Hyssop Herbal Lozenges. Throat Soothers with natural Hyssop can be used to comfort the throat while undergoing ear candling treatments.
Ear Pillows can be heated for a more relaxing candling experience. They are shaped perfectly for an ear candling session.
A Plate Guard if a protective aid to shield ear candle user from any flame or debris caused during the ear candling session. Folding scissors to use for cutting ear candles or cutting a hole in the plate guard. For ear protection, use Ear Soothies for Ear Candling.
- Plate Guard For Ear Candling
- Scissors, Folding For Ear Candling
- Ear Soothies For Ear Candling, 1 Pair
An Otoscope is an illuminating device used to view the inside of the ear canal. This otoscope is the finest and most affordable otoscope available.
EAR INFECTION GENERAL LINKS
Ear Infections: Facts for Parents about Otitis Media NIH (National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders).
Also available in Spanish.
Ear Infections: Otitis Media with Effusion (American Academy of Family Physicians). Also available in Spanish.
Otitis Media Interactive Tutorial (Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player.
Also available in Spanish.
OVERVIEW LINKS
Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media) (Nemours Foundation).
Also available in Spanish
Otitis Media (Ear Infection) NIH (National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders).
Question and Answers on Acute Otitis Media (American Academy of Pediatrics).
IN THE NEWS
Can Too Much Weight Cause Ear Infections in Kids? (04/16/2007, HealthDay).
DIAGNOSIS & SYMPTOMS
Ear Problems (American Academy of Family Physicians).
TREATMENT
Doctor, Please Explain Ear Tubes (American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery).
PREVENTION & SCREENING
Can I Prevent Ear Infections When My Child Swims? (Nemours Foundation).
Ear Infections: Common Risk Factors (American Academy of Pediatrics).
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Fluid in the Middle Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) (National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases) - Links to PDF.
Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis (Vestibular Disorders Association).
Otitis Externa (American Academy of Family Physicians).
Also available in Spanish.
Serous Otitis Media (Merck & Co., Inc.).
Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) (Nemours Foundation).
Also available in Spanish.
RELATED ISSUES
Cholesteatoma (American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery).
Mastoiditis (Merck & Co., Inc.).
Medical Aspects of Ear Infections and Sinusitis (Cleveland Clinic Foundation).
Perforated Eardrum (American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery).
HEALTH CHECK TOOLS
Quiz: Ear Infections (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education & Research).
TUTORIALS
Otitis Media (Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player.
Also available in Spanish.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Atlas of the Body: The Ear (American Medical Association).
How the Ear Works (American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery).
CLINICAL TRIALS
ClinicalTrials.gov: Otitis Media (National Institutes of Health).
JOURNAL ARTICLES
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine):
- Article: Effectiveness of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for children with chronic active otitis media:....
- Article: Failure of xylitol given three times a day for preventing....
- Article: Relationship between pediatric obesity and otitis media with effusion.
- Plus Ear Infections -- see more articles.
MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIAEar Infections (Otitis media)
DICTIONARIES & GLOSSARIES
NIDCD Glossary NIH (National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders).
DIRECTORIES
Find an Otolaryngologist (American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery)
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.
NIH - National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders.
CHILDREN
Causes of Hearing Loss in Children (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).
Earaches: A Painful Problem for Many Children (American Academy of Family Physicians).
Also available in Spanish.
Let's Hear It for the Ear! (Nemours Foundation).
Also available in Spanish.
Swimmer's Ear (Nemours Foundation).
What Is an Ear Infection? (Nemours Foundation).
Also available in Spanish.
TEENAGERS
Swimmer's Ear (External Otitis ) (Nemours Foundation).
Child and Teen Health.
Ear, Nose and Throat.
NIH organization for research on Ear Infections: The National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders.
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