How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children
7 ways to reduce risk factors for ear infection in kids
7 ways to reduce risk factors for ear infection in kids
If your child’s ear is hurting, it could be an ear infection and cause for concern. Ear infections can cause significant discomfort. They are also very common in young children.
Five out of six kids will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. These infections are the most common reason parents take their children to the doctor.
“Although usually not dangerous, ear infections can be very painful and disruptive to a young child’s life,” says Dania Lindenberg, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest. “Fortunately, there are treatments and measures that can be taken at home to prevent ear infections in children.”
Understanding how to prevent ear infections can help reduce the frequency of doctor visits and use of antibiotics.
Why are ear infections more common in children?
Ear infections occur when fluid collects in the middle ear, causing inflammation. Young children are more likely to get these infections because their immune systems are still developing, which makes it harder for them to fight off germs.
“Young children are the most vulnerable also because they have shorter, softer and more level eustachian tubes, compared to adults, which makes it more difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear,” Dr. Lindenberg says.
The eustachian tube connects the upper part of the throat to the middle ear. If it is swollen or blocked with mucus from a cold, fluid cannot drain properly.
There are several types of ear infections, each with distinct characteristics. The most common is acute otitis media, where parts of the middle ear become infected and swollen. Fluid gets trapped behind the eardrum.
Ear infection symptoms
Common ear infection symptoms in children include:
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Fussiness or irritability
- Rubbing or tugging at an ear
- Difficulty sleeping
Can ear infections be prevented?
Ear infections can often be prevented by using simple strategies.
“The best way to prevent ear infections is to reduce the risk factors associated with them,” Dr. Lindenberg says.
7 ways to prevent ear infections
Here are seven things you can do to reduce your child’s risk for ear infections.
1. Vaccinate your child
Vaccines play a crucial role in ear infection prevention. They protect against common germs. Studies show vaccinated children get fewer ear infections.
The flu and pneumococcal vaccines are especially helpful. They boost a child’s immune system against viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections.
2. Wash your hands
Good hygiene helps prevent ear infections. Children often touch many surfaces and then their faces. This spreads germs to their noses and ears.
Teaching kids to regularly wash their hands promotes good hygiene practices and helps prevent the spread of germs.
Adults should also regularly wash their hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, preparing food, or sneezing.
3. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding provides significant immune support, making it a vital part of ear infection prevention. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby against various illnesses, including ear infections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding your newborn exclusively for at least six months.
4. Avoid bottles in bed
Good bottle-feeding techniques can prevent fluid from getting into the middle ear. Avoid bottle-feeding babies while they are lying down to prevent milk from entering their throat and creating a medium for bacterial growth.
5. Avoid smoke exposure
Secondhand smoke can cause ear infections. It irritates the eustachian tubes and makes it hard for fluid to drain.
Encourage smoke-free zones at home and in your car. Make sure that your children’s daycare and school are smoke-free as well.
6. Decrease pacifier use
Pacifiers have been associated with an increased incidence of ear infections. The sucking may inhibit proper eustachian tube function.
Many pediatricians recommend weaning children from pacifiers in the second six months of life to prevent middle ear infection.
7. Switch your child to a smaller daycare center
Kids in large centers tend to be exposed to more upper respiratory viruses, predisposing them to ear infections.
When to seek medical care
Knowing when to seek medical care is crucial for a child’s ear health.
See your doctor if your child has:
- A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
- Pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear
- Worsening symptoms
- Symptoms of a middle ear infection that last for more than 2–3 days
- Hearing loss
Your pediatrician can check for an ear infection by looking inside your child’s ear and checking if there is pus in the middle ear.
What are treatments for ear infections?
Your doctor can help you with treatment options. Depending on how serious it is, they may recommend pain relievers or antibiotics.
For mild cases of middle ear infection, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting to see if antibiotics are needed. Another option is delayed antibiotic prescribing, where the doctor gives you a prescription but recommends waiting 2-3 days to fill it.
Even when antibiotics are prescribed, they won’t take effect for 24 to 48 hours. Fortunately, there are easy ways to ease your child’s discomfort and pain using over-the-counter fever and pain medicine.
Frequent ear infections in children may require a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist to check for underlying issues that may be contributing to recurrent infections.