Ear Infections in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

What Is an Ear Infection in Children?

Ear infections are reasonably common amongst children. The infection tends to occur in the area behind the eardrum. Ear infections happen when bacteria or infections infect and trap liquid behind the eardrum, causing pain and the expanding or swelling of the eardrum.

Children get ear infection more frequently than adults. By the time they turn three, children would have experienced at least one ear infection. In fact, the most common reason parents take their child to the doctor is because of an ear infection.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Children?

Symptoms of an ear infection in children may include:

Fever
Drainage from the ear
Poor sleep
Irritability
Trouble hearing
Loss of appetite
Ear pain

Most ear infections go away between 7 to 10 days, though some may experience symptoms that last up to a week. Unlike the common cold, which can lead to ear infections, ear infections are not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.

What Are the Risk Factors of an Ear Infection in Children?

Risk factors of an ear infection in children may include:

Family history
Age
Allergies
Colds
Chronic illnesses

How Is an Ear Infection in Children Diagnosed?

Using an otoscope, the doctor will examine your child's ear. A healthy eardrum will be translucent (clear) and pinkish grey in colour. Redness, swelling, and inflammation of the eardrum may indicate infection.

Additionally, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your child's breathing and check their throat and nasal passages for signs of upper respiratory infections.

What Are the Long-term Effects of Ear Infections if Untreated?

Loss of hearing

An ear infection typically results in some mild, brief hearing loss such as the muffling or distortion of sound. More severe hearing loss can result from persistent infections, infections that occur frequently, and damage to internal structures in the ear caused by a buildup of fluid.

Tear in the eardrum

Pressure from the presence of fluid in the middle ear can cause a tear in the eardrum. Surgery may be necessary if the tear does not heal on its own. Do not put anything in the ear canal if your child has drainage or discharge. If something goes wrong and the object comes into contact with the eardrum, doing so could be dangerous.

Delayed speech and language

To develop their speech and learn language, children need to hear. Stifled hearing for any time span or loss of hearing can altogether postpone or hamper improvement.

Spread of infection

It is possible for an infection to spread beyond the ear if it does not get better on its own, left untreated, or only gone partially after treatment. The nearby mastoid bone, or bone behind the ear, can be damaged by infection. On rare occasions, contamination can spread to the layers encompassing the cerebrum and spinal string (meninges) and cause meningitis.

How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children?

Prevent ear infections in children by adhering to the following:

Watch for mouth breathing or snoring.
Breastfeed your baby.
Watch for and mitigate allergies.

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Early detection of ear infections in children makes it easier to treat the condition with effective and appropriate treatment.

A dedicated and expert team of Paediatric specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about ear infections in children.

Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

Medically reviewed by Consultant Paediatrician Dr Sharmini A/P Sivaraman.