Ear infections are a common childhood problem. Adults get them too.
An ear infection is defined as inflammation within an ear. Besides the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. Approximately 3 out of 4 kids will have had at least one ear infection by the time they reach 3 years of age.
Fluid in the Ears
Ear infections are the most common illness in babies and young children. Usually, the infection resides in the middle ear. The tubes inside the ears become plugged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing and cause some discomfort, because sound cannot travel through all that fluid.
To help relieve some of the pain:
- Keep their heads elevated in bed or crib
- Have them drink, (but not while laying down) the swallowing helps the tubes to open and drain
- Also try a warm moist compress.
To ear is human
Most of the time, ear infections go away on their own, but your health care provider may recommend a pain reliever. Severe infections and especially infections in young babies may require antibiotics.
Children who get frequent infections may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again and reduces the frequency of infection.
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