Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
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EAR INFECTION (OTITIS MEDIA)
The ear is a critical part of the body’s balance system. In this sense, ear infections become very annoying when bacteria or viruses infect fluid behind the eardrum. Therefore, this kind of infection is painful and causes swelling/bulging of the eardrum. On the other hand, the most common diseases in this area occur in the middle ear (and it is called acute otitis media).
Depending on the evolution, otitis media produces the discharge of a viscous or purulent fluid. Also, in more severe cases, the patient can experience loss of balance, fever, headache, ear pain, and trouble hearing.
Otitis can be produced by blockage or
Causes
infection associated with the eustachian tubes that run from each middle ear behind the nasal passages. These parts regulate air pressure and secretions in the middle ear. Therefore, these tubes can be prone to be blocked, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear and consequent infection. Likewise, they are located in the back of the nose, and many experts say that those tissues play a role in immune system activity. For this reason, the swelling of the adenoids can cause the block of the eustachian tubes and middle ear infection too.
CHILDREN Ear infections are very prevalent among children between the ages of 6 months and two years. They have smaller eustachian tubes and more vulnerable immune systems because they are still developing. In the same way, colds contribute to increasing the risk of an ear infection. Also, allergies can cause swelling of the nasal passages and produce alterations in the adenoids.
Most ear infections remit in three to five days, and you can prevent fever by giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to prevent fever. Also, painkillers and antibiotics can be prescribed by your pediatrician.
COMPLICATIONS
Noteworthy, if an ear infection is not treated or presents complications, it could spread to other areas such as the bones behind the ear. I can produce a disease called mastoiditis.
CALL YOUR TRUSTED PEDIATRICIAN
For further information, call your trusted professionals on Pineville pediatrics or your Ballantyne Pediatrician.
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