✓ Otitis in children, how it is treated and how it is prevented

Source: Alamy.com

Index:

what is otitis and symptoms
what to do in case of otitis
how otitis is prevented

What is otitis and symptoms?

Symptoms:

ear pain
fever
sometimes pus leaking from the ear

It is a'ear infection (viral or bacterial) often occurring with or following a cold or throat infection. The most common symptom is ear pain, which in children younger children is manifested by a tendency to put a hand to the ear, irritability and crying. There may also be a fever and, sometimes, pus leaking from the ear. Otitis is very common in children because, due to its particular anatomical conformation in children, it is easier for liquids to stagnate in the middle ear.

What should be done in case of otitis?

If the child is less than one year old, has very poor general conditions, or is leaking pus, the doctor usually prescribes an antibiotic (usually amoxicillin) right away. In all other cases the Guidelines of the Del Paesena Society of Pediatrician on acute otitis media suggest the strategy of "watchful waiting": in practice you wait a couple of days, administering a maximum of painkiller (paracetamol or ibuprofen) to see how the situation evolves.

After this period, the pediatrician checks the child again and decides whether the antibiotic is really needed or not. During otitis, some hearing problems may occur: if it lasts more than three months it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist.

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Otitis: is it possible to prevent it?

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, non-exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, frequent washing of the baby's hands, and limiting the use of pacifiers and bottles are all factors that reduce the risk of developing otitis.