Otitis media in children
Otitis media occurs as a result of infection of the back of the eardrum with a virus or bacteria. Usually, children are infected with a greater percentage than adults, up to 80% before they reach the age of three.
Otitis media: causes, symptoms and treatment with medicine and herbs |
This disease is most common in the winter and early spring, most of the time the pain goes away and it heals on its own without taking medication, but if the fever accompanies it or the pain lasts for a longer period, then the patient must be visited to get the appropriate medication.
Types of otitis media
- acute otitis media
This inflammation occurs suddenly and painfully, and is accompanied by swelling and redness behind the eardrum. The tumor and fever often occur due to fluid retention inside the ear and not draining, which increases pressure, and this affects hearing, causing weakness in it with increased pain.
- effusion otitis media
When the disease or infection ends, the patient feels the accumulation of more fluid and its exit, and this affects the hearing and the clarity of the voice.
Otitis media causes
The causes of otitis media in young children vary, but the most common cause is a respiratory infection that spreads to the ears. As a result of respiratory infection, a blockage occurs in the canal connecting the middle ear and the pharynx, which is called (the Eustachian tube), then the fluid collects behind the eardrum and the place is prepared for the growth of bacteria, causing redness, pain and fever.
Symptoms of otitis media in children
There are many symptoms associated with otitis media, including:
- pain in the ear.
- constant crying.
- difficulty sleeping.
- Fever.
- Tighten the ear.
- vomiting.
- lack of appetite.
- loss of vitality.
- Hearing impairment.
- Clear, yellow or blood-colored secretions from inside the ear.
Otitis media for children
- When the child is taken to the doctor, his dependence in the treatment is for several factors, the child's age, health and medical history, he will also take into account the severity and duration of his pain, and the extent of the child's tolerance to antibiotics.
- Usually the doctor prescribes pain relievers such as Revanin and Ibogesic, and then wait two days for the pain and inflammation to subside.
- If the pain persists for more than two days after taking painkillers, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that will treat the infection if it is caused by bacteria.
- Put warm compresses on the affected ear.
Ways to reduce the incidence of ear infection
- Wash your hands and your baby's hands often.
- Make sure the milk bottle is clean.
- Drink milk in a sitting position.
- Keep your child away from smokers.
- Wean your child off the pacifier at the age of one year.
- Make sure to give him vaccinations on time.
- Make sure to breastfeed, as it prevents ear infections by a large percentage.
Otitis media in adults
Usually otitis media affects young children, but it is possible for adults to get infected with it and is more dangerous for them than young children, so it should not be underestimated and consult a doctor as soon as possible, especially if it occurs repeatedly, as it has serious complications that can occur over time.
Who has otitis media?
- People with colds or a sore throat and respiratory tract.
- Those with seasonal allergies.
- Smokers or those who sit with smokers.
- People with sinusitis.
Middle ear infection symptoms
- Sore throat.
- Severe headache.
- Diarrhea.
- Ear pressure and hearing disturbance.
- liquid drainage.
- Fever.
- Severe pain behind the ear.
- Facial paralysis.
Treatment of otitis media in adults
- Oral or in the form of drops.
- Painkiller.
- Decongestant, nasal drops and antihistamine.
- Permanent hearing loss.
- Transmission of infection to other areas of the head.
- Facial nerve paralysis.
Middle ear infection herbal treatment
- Olive oil
- Ginger oil
- Tea tree oil
has antibacterial properties, so it is possible to put a few drops inside the ear and then remove it.
- Garlic oil
It is known that garlic is highly effective in fighting bacteria, and it can be used in the treatment of ear infections by placing a little of it inside the ear and then removing it with cotton.
Very important notes
- You should consult a doctor before resorting to physical therapy, because it is possible that some damages may have an adverse effect.
- Also, if you have a ruptured eardrum, be careful not to put natural oils inside so that they don't get inside.
- Before applying oils, make sure that you are not allergic to them, by applying one drop and waiting for a certain period of time to make sure that there are no problems.