Earaches are a common occurrence in our lives, especially with our children. But what causes them--Dr Frank Warren an Otolaryngologist from University Healthcare gives us Ear Aches 101.
About Earaches and Ear Infections
Ear infections in children under the age of 7 are common, resulting in millions of office visits each year. Also known as otitis media, ear infections are the most frequent diagnosis for children and the most common cause of hearing loss in children.
Most ear infections either resolve on their own (viral) or are treated by antibiotics (bacterial).
More than 30 million prescriptions are written each year for ear infections, accounting for 25 percent of all antibiotics prescribed in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral ear infections (30 to 50 percent of such disorders).
Young children are most at risk for developing ear infections because of the anatomy of their Eustachian tubes, which are shorter, more horizontal and straighter than adults, making it easier for bacteria to get to the middle ear. A child’s tube is also floppier with a smaller opening that easily clogs. The ears get healthier as they age.
What Causes Earaches and Ear Infections
Earaches occur when a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory infection, and the presence of bacteria or viruses, lead to the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. This is an infection called acute otitis media.
The build up of pressure and fluid in the middle ear causes earache, swelling, and redness.
Ear infections are most common during the winter months and early spring.
Symptoms
Infants and Toddlers
Pulling at the ear, crying, fever, vomiting, ear drainage
Young children
Earache, feeling of fullness or pressure, hearing problems, nausea, ear drainage, and fever
When to Seek Treatment
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving Tylenol to children, if they start pulling at their ear.
If a child has a fever, ear drainage, or has pain for three days, they should be seen by a doctor.
Common Treatments
Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on how long your child has had fluid in their ears and the amount of hearing loss or other problems caused by the fluid. Sometimes ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to hearing loss, behavior and speech problems. The insertion of an ear tube by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat surgeon) may be considered.
Antibiotics. Most of the time earaches will clear up with proper medication.
Tube surgery. A tube is inserted in the middle ear to allow continuous drainage of fluid. Surgery is recommended if fluid has been in the ear for more than three months, a child has had more than three episodes in six months or four episodes in 12 months. Each year more than half a million tube surgeries are performed, making it the most common childhood surgery.
