Ear infection - What You Should Know!

There is a good chance of developing middle ear infection early in your baby's life (6 months to 3 years of age) due to weakened immunity. Ear infections are common in cold and flu season of winter. It usually occurs as a symptom of common cold or severe throat infection.

Causes:

• Heredity

• Secondhand smoke

• Crowded day care

• Self feeding (with bottle) on back

• Pacifiers

• unknown

Signs and symptoms:

• Crying (due to ear pain)

• Ear tugging or pulling

• Fever

• Reduced activity and irritability

• Reduced appetite or difficulty eating (due to ear pain during sucking or swallowing)

• Vomiting

• Hearing loss (persistent infection)

• Blood tinged yellow fluid or pus draining from infected ear.

Treatment:

• Pain releaving drops.

• Antibiotics (if symptoms persist)

• Tymphanostomy or ventilating tubes (in case of recurrent ear infection)

Prevention:

• Breastfeeding upto 6 months.

• While bottle feeding, hold the baby's head above stomach to avoid formula entering the ear.

• Vaccinating your baby promptly reduces the incidence of cold and other infections.

• Avoid crowded day care.

• Avoid smoking.

Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found a reduction in secondhand smoke in American homes was associated with fewer cases of otitis media or middle ear infection (WebMD News - Jan 28, 2011).