KEYS FOR OTITIS IN BABIES
Moderate Otitis is often a problem in infants and children, 50 percent of them have at least one infection during their first year of life. ¨It is the most frequent cause for which an antibiotic treatment is prescribed¨.
There are not vital differences between Otitis that affects a baby and an adult, except in the frequency that they occur, the anatomical differences, and, sometimes, the responsible germs.
1) Why does it occur more in babies than in adults?
The reasons why a baby has significantly more episodes of infection “have to do with the anatomical features of the ear. In babies it is available more horizontally and is shorter”.
Everything that affects the nose and throat affects most the youngest. Thus, as they usually catch more colds and infections that affect these parts of the body, it is more frequent that problems occur in the ear. «When the inner ear is filled with mucus, it is difficult to drain it and ends up being a breeding ground for new infections.»
In addition, “the earliness with which otitis appears in babies is associated, among others,
to genetic or family factors (prematurity, sex, ethnicity, family history, children in the same home, etc.) ”.
2) How to detect that my baby has otitis?
Symptoms to suspect if a child has otitis depends on age. “In babies, most are indirect. Common symptoms (fever, for example) may coexist but most often it is that it presents irritability, loss of appetite, difficulty eating, vomiting or, in advanced otitis, the presence of suppuration in the outer ear. ” In any case, it is not advisable to manipulate the flag or pressure maneuvers on the ear.
Symptoms to suspect if a child has otitis depends on age. “In babies, most are indirect.
Common symptoms (fever, for example) may coexist but most often it is that it presents irritability, loss of appetite, difficulty eating, vomiting or, in advanced otitis, the presence of suppuration in the outer ear. ” In any case, it is not advisable to manipulate the pavilion or pressure maneuvers on the ear.
“Oldest Children point their ear as a place of pain”.
3) Is the treatment the same as an adult?
The treatment in children under two years of life is through antibiotic. However, it must be individualized according to the previous medical history and the characteristics of the otitis. ¨Sometimes it is treated with anti-inflammatory and it is resolved. When there are external otitis, they affect the duct (typical from pool and the summer) It is often treated with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory topic (drops) ¨
Treatment in children under two years is usually antibiotic. However, it must be individualized according to the previous medical history and the characteristics of otitis. “Sometimes it is treated with anti-inflammatory and it is resolved. When they are otitis external, they affect the duct (typical of the pool and summer) are often treated with antibiotics and topical anti-inflammatories (drops). ”
The treatment includes the use of antibiotics, analgesics and observation of evolution. Symptoms should improve in 24 or 48 hours. ”
To calm the pain, the pediatrician points out that the most common analgesic drugs are used, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (the latter after 6 months). «In general, pain is underestimated in the case of children and it is essential to assess and treat it to improve their well-being.»
4) Should we have any special precautions?
In the case of otitis media, typical of babies and young children, in addition to these treatments, no extra precaution is necessary.
“When they are external otitis (from pool) it is recommended not to bathe submerged. But there is no problem with taking a conventional bath or shower.
For more information, visit your doctor; not self-medicate; or write us.