Infant Ear Infections: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
Babies can develop a number of problems that cause them pain or discomfort. Unfortunately, those problems are often difficult for parents to diagnose. After all, babies cry for many reasons. Parents must be vigilant in order to identify issues before those issues turn into serious problems.
In this article, we’ll explore the nature of infant ear infections. We’ll describe the factors that can cause them, how they’re treated, and steps parents can take in order to prevent them.
What Causes Them?
To understand how they happen, it’s worth reviewing the inside of your infant’s eardrum. Fluid typically drains from the eardrum through a short funnel called the Eustachian tube. As long as it drains, it will not cause a problem. However, if your infant develops a cold or a sinus problem, the Eustachian tube can become obstructed. If that happens, the fluid cannot drain properly. It sits within the eardrum.
Soon, bacteria begins to grow and eventually causes the area to become infected. This results in swelling which can lead to extreme discomfort for your little one.
One of the reasons babies are especially prone to ear infections is because of the length and position of their Eustachian tube. It’s only a half-inch long and lies horizontally. As they get older, it lengthens and turns vertically, allowing more effective drainage. The more drainage, the less likelihood of the area becoming infected.
Common Approach To Treatment
Pediatricians will normally recommend an antibiotic to help eliminate the problem. That said, most doctors will concede that an ear infection will usually disappear on its own over time. But, few are willing to take the chance; prescribing an antibiotic is a much safer route. Because the swelling, blockage, and inflammation can cause such discomfort for babies, many pediatricians will also recommend ibuprofen in order to ease the pain.
Preventing The Problem
Ear infections are common among infants. Parents should understand that even after taking preventative measures, there is still a likelihood of their baby’s eardrums becoming infected. That said, make sure your baby has received the latest vaccinations. They can help prevent flus and other sicknesses that lead to ear infections.
Many doctors suggest that breastfeeding can also prevent a baby’s eardrums from getting infected. This is thought to be due to antibodies within breast milk that boost babies’ immune systems during the first several months following birth.
If your baby constantly pulls at her ears, becomes moody, refuses to feed, or has diarrhea, she may be coping with an infected eardrum. Make an appointment with her pediatrician. While the problem might go away on its own, it can also become a serious issue if it is left untreated. When it comes to your baby’s health, it is always better to avoid taking chances.
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