Otitis in children: how to avoid it?

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Extract from the article: Otitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the ear. It is a common infection, occurring in children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Although most children's ear infections are benign, they are nonetheless painful. Hence...

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Otitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the ear. It is a common infection, occurring in children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Although most children's ear infections are benign, they are nonetheless painful. Hence the importance of taking measures to prevent them.

 

In children, otitis media is the most common. This is an infection of the middle ear, i.e. behind the eardrum. The causes of otitis in children are due to a family history of repeated ear infections, to infants staying in day care centres, to the absence of breastfeeding or to taking a bottle while lying down. The milk can go up the Eustachian tubes, a bony and fibro-cartilaginous duct connecting the front wall of the middle ear to the rhinopharynx, i.e. the back of the nose. 

In the event of a cold or flu, the virus or bacteria responsible can easily enter the ear through the Eustachian tubes, causing an otitis. Cigarette smoke and water in the ears can also be the cause.

 

Symptoms

Otitis is manifested by pain in the ear, a sudden onset with a variable temperature and a decrease in hearing. In infants, the fever is often higher, sometimes the eardrum will spontaneously burst and it is the observation of pus flowing from the ear canal that will alert the parents.

 

Prevention

To prevent ear infections in children, dry the ears thoroughly after a shower. The use of cotton swabs is not recommended as it can cause perforation of the eardrum. Do not expose them to cigarette smoke. Wash hands regularly and encourage the child to do the same to eliminate viruses and bacteria responsible for ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections.

If your child gets a cold, make sure he or she blows his or her nose, as it is the spread of germs from nasopharyngitis through the eustachian tube that causes ear infections. Clean his nose with a clean handkerchief and raise his head a little in bed to prevent the onset of an ear infection. For the baby, give the bottle in a sitting position. Do not give the child dummies and avoid exposure to allergens. If symptoms of otitis are present, consult a paediatrician.

Elom AKAKPO