Ear Infections in Children: How to Prevent, Detect and Treat

Written by G. Zachary White, DO, Otolaryngology surgeon, Bronson Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Specialists – Kalamazoo

Ear infections are a common occurrence in children. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, ear infections are the number one reason parents bring their child to the doctor. Chronic ear infections can linger for weeks or months and cause persistent discomfort. They can also cause loss of balance and delayed speech development.

Why are ear infections more common in children?

Children are more prone to ear infections than adults because of the anatomy of their ears. The eustachian tube, which connects the upper throat to the middle ear, is smaller in children, making it more difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear. This moist environment can cause viruses or bacteria to form behind the eardrum.

There are three main types of ear infections:

• Acute otitis media (AOM) – This is the most common type of ear infection. AOM affects the middle ear and causes swelling, redness and pain. It is sometimes accompanied by a fever.
• Otitis media with effusion (OME) – This condition occurs when fluid or mucus remains trapped in the ear after an infection has passed. Your child may not show symptoms other than difficulty in hearing.
• Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) – This type of ear infection occurs when fluid remains trapped in the middle ear over time. If this happens, your child may not be able to fight new infections and it can affect their long-term hearing.

What causes ear infections?

• Other infections like upper respiratory infection
• Inflamed sinuses or sinusitis
• Allergies and air irritants
• Ear injuries like a ruptured ear drum

How do you prevent ear infections?

To prevent your child from getting an ear infection, you should limit factors that might put them at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:

• Avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke or air pollution
• Make sure your child is up to date on their immunizations
• Breastfeed babies for 12 months or more (if possible)
• Make sure your child drinks fluids in an upright position
• Frequently wash hands and toys

How do you treat an ear infection?

Viral infections will often resolve by themselves. However, if an ear infection does not clear up and your child is showing symptoms for longer than 48 to 72 hours, you should consult your doctor. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may recommend treatment options such as:

• Pain medication: For mild cases, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or ear drops. All medications should be used as directed by the label on the bottle.
• Antibiotics: Some ear infections can be treated with antibiotics.
• Surgical procedure:  In severe cases, if symptoms don’t go away after two to three months, or an ear infection keeps coming back, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure known as tympanostomy tube placement. This is commonly known as ear tubes. This surgery involves placing a small ventilation tube in the eardrum to improve air flow and prevent fluid backup in the middle ear. After the procedure, the child's hearing is restored.

Bronson Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Specialists are here to help

Bronson’s otolaryngology team, also known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, treat diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose and throat, as well as the respiratory and upper alimentary systems. Services include thorough testing and evaluation to identify the best plan of care for your child and surgical procedures. Visit bronsonhealth.com/ent for more information on otolaryngology services for children and adults.