Middle ear infection is a very common problem faced by
children. Even infants below two years could face this
problem. Infection in the ear is caused by germs and
viruses. They enter the human body and grow to cause
infection, affecting the normal functioning of the body.
Similarly, germs can enter the ears. Depending on the
location of infection, the infections are named. The
human ear can be divided into the inner part, middle
part and outer part. When the outer ear is infected by
germs, the infection is known as swimmer’s ear. When the
inner part of the ear gets infected, it is called middle
ear infection. The germs infect the middle portion of
the ear and fill that area with pus or a yellow gooey
liquid. This liquid has cells which fight germs. The
middle part of the ear is shaped in the form of a tiny
air pocket. It is located at the back of the eardrum.
And when the pus begins to fill in this area, the ear
feels like a filled balloon which is on the verge of
popping. This feeling is really painful.
The throat is connected to the middle portion of the ear
through a channel known as Eustachian tube and in fact
middle portions of both the ears are connected to the
throat by two Eustachian tubes. The job of these tubes
is to allow the free movement of air, from the middle
ear, in and out direction. Infants below three years
have less developed and smaller Eustachian tubes and
therefore are less capable of keeping germs completely
out of the middle ear. As the child grows, so do the
Eustachian tubes and the more capable they are of
keeping germs outside, but they still face some problem.
Usually kids, who have allergic problems and catch cold
very frequently, are more prone to get ear infections.
When the child gets cold, the Eustachian tube gets
obstructed which allow germs to get into the middle ear.
And the germs which gain entry, multiply rapidly
resulting in a middle ear infection.
The child gets a fever along with the ear pain. Some
even find it difficult to hear because of the blockage.
Middle ear infection is not contagious, but the cold
caught from others can eventually result in an ear
infection. The sooner the doctor is contacted, the
better for the child and the rest of the family members.
The doctor will check the ear with the help of an
otoscope. It is a special flashlight which makes the
eardrum visible. The eardrum is a thin membrane
separating the outer ear from the middle ear. The
otoscope can also be used to blow a puff of air into the
ear. This determines whether the ear drum is functioning
normally and is moving in a healthy way or not. Because
of the puss formation due to the infection, the fluid
will press against the ear drum and may even make it to
bulge. Also, the eardrum can turn red because of the
infection.
The doctor will prescribe a pain reliever to be taken
for the next two days. Antibiotics will be prescribed if
the infection is caused because of bacteria, which will
end the infection within a couple of days. Incase, the
doctor recommends an antibiotic, the cycle must be
completed as told by the doctor, otherwise there can be
a possibility of re-infection. Few children who get ear
infections frequently will have to undergo other tests
such as tympanogram and audiogram.
Children can take some steps to avoid ear infection.
They must wash their hands regularly. They must keep
away from people who are infected with cold. And if they
do come near or in contact with an infected person, they
should wash their hands and should not touch their eyes
or nose. Parents, who smoke, should not do it near the
kid as the tobacco smoke can be responsible for the
malfunctioning of the Eustachian tube.
