\ud83c\udfaf \"My baby is pulling on his earlobe, crying all the time and has a fever. Is it an ear infection?\"<\/p>
Ear infections are quite common in infancy and childhood. The most common type is middle ear infection (acute otitis media) and usually develops following upper respiratory tract infections.<\/p>
While some infections can go away on their own, others require treatment and follow-up.<\/p>
In this article, you can learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of ear infections and when you should consult a doctor.<\/p>
Middle ear infection (otitis media); It is inflammation caused by the proliferation of bacteria or viruses in the space behind the eardrum. Generally:<\/p>
\u2022 Develops after upper respiratory tract infections<\/p>
\u2022 It is more common in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.<\/p>
\u2022 Its frequency increases in children starting nursery.<\/p>
\u2022 Unexplained fever (38\u00b0C and above)<\/p>
\u2022 Pulling or rubbing the earlobe<\/p>
\u2022 Constant restlessness, crying<\/p>
\u2022 Frequent waking up at night<\/p>
\u2022 Feeding difficulty, refusal to suckle<\/p>
\u2022 Earache, hearing loss<\/p>
\u2022 Discharge from the ear (the eardrum may be pierced)<\/p>
\u2022 Dizziness, balance disorder<\/p>
The diagnosis of ear infection is made through an otoscope examination by a pediatrician.<\/p>
\u2022 Redness, swelling and fluid accumulation in the eardrum are observed.<\/p>
\u2022 If necessary, hearing test or audiology evaluation may be performed, especially in cases of recurrent infections.<\/p>
Ear infections do not always require antibiotics.<\/p>
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for pain.<\/p>
Ear infections may reoccur frequently in some children.<\/p>
\u2022 Early start to nursery\/kindergarten<\/p>
\u2022 Exposure to secondhand smoke<\/p>
\u2022 Feeding while lying down with a bottle<\/p>
\u2022 Anatomical structures (adenoid size, eustachian tube structure)<\/p>
\ud83d\udccc An ear tube (ventilation tube) may be recommended for children who have more than 4 infections per year and 3 or more infections in 6 months.<\/p>
\ud83d\udc68\u200d\u2695\ufe0f When to Consult a Doctor?<\/p>
\u2022 Fever over 38\u00b0C and earache<\/p>
\u2022 Foul-smelling discharge from the ear<\/p>
\u2022 Significant decrease in hearing<\/p>
\u2022 Frequent waking up and restlessness at night<\/p>
\u2022 Frequent ear infections<\/p>
\ud83d\udca1 Suggestions for Families<\/p>
\u2705 Continue breastfeeding \u2013 breast milk supports immunity<\/p>
\u2705 Do not bottle feed your baby while lying down<\/p>
\u2705 Keep away from cigarette smoke<\/p>
\u2705 Take care to be checked by a doctor in case of upper respiratory tract infections<\/p>
\u2705 If the nursery age is young, it may be beneficial to stay at home for a short time with the advice of a doctor.<\/p>
\ud83d\udccc Result<\/p>
Although ear infections are common in children, they often heal without leaving any permanent problems with proper follow-up and treatment.<\/p>
However, recurrent infections, especially during infancy, can negatively affect hearing and speech development.<\/p>
Therefore, it is of great importance to recognize the symptoms early and consult a pediatrician in time.<\/p>
\ud83e\ude7a I have coverage in my practice for children with ear infections and recurrent fever in Izmir.<\/p>\n\n