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Ear ache, also known as otalgia or ear pain, is a common problem among adults and children. Ear ache in children is often caused by a build-up of fluid and pressure in the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum), which usually happens when the child has a cold or allergy. The accumulation of fluid in the middle ear can lead to an ear infection.
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Ear Aches - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment An earache can be a real ear pain! But earaches don't have to be. Earaches are a common problem for many children. Some children may go through childhood with very little or no earaches. Other children may stay in the doctor's office with earache. When learning to fight ear pain, it is important to know what causes ear pain. This will help parents prevent earaches in their children. What causes an earache? The tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose is called the Eustachian. This tube allows fluid to drain out of the middle ear. However, if the lining of that tube is invaded by bacteria or viruses, the tube may swell and fill with thick mucus. This leads to the inability of the fluid to drain normally. As bacteria grow in the fluid, pressure can build up behind the eardrum and this causes pain. Allergies, colds, and other illnesses can cause blockage of the Eustachian tube. When adenoids become enlarged, they can also block the Eustachian tubes. All of these are known as ear infections. They usually go away in a week or two, but in the meantime they can be extremely painful and include fever and other symptoms. There are also times when an ear infection will last even more than two weeks and can even become chronic. Also, even after the infection clears up, the fluid can remain in the middle ear, which can lead to even more infections and, in extreme cases, hearing loss. What are the symptoms of an earache? Older children may tell you that your ear hurts. Your ear pain can also be accompanied by fever. However, babies and children who are too young to tell you where it hurts may cry or tug at their ears. A child with an ear infection, regardless of age, may show signs of irritability, listlessness, difficulty hearing, and may not feel like eating or sleeping. This is particularly true with breastfed babies who have earaches. Because a breastfed baby is suckling in a certain way that is different and more difficult than suckling from a bottle, this movement can irritate the baby's sore ears and cause him to "stop eating." What is the treatment for earaches? There are several ways that a doctor can approach the treatment of earache. If the doctor suspects that the infection is bacterial, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol products) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin products) may offer some relief and reduce fever if present. However, aspirin is not recommended. Warm compresses or a heating pad applied to the ear can reduce pain. There are also times when ear drops are prescribed.
When prescribing medications, whether antibiotics or ear drops, it is imperative that they be given as directed by the doctor. With antibiotics, it is exceptionally crucial that they are administered on time and that doses are not missed. What are some risk factors that can cause earaches in children? Children who are around people who smoke are at very high risk of ear infections. Also, if you have had previous ear infections or have a family history of ear infections this may increase your risk. It is not a big secret that children in daycare are exposed to many more germs and viruses, so this is a great risk. A child who was premature at birth or who had a low birth weight may also be at increased risk. If a child has frequent colds or other infections, takes a bottle to bed, uses a pacifier, or has nasal speech that is caused by large adenoids that block the Eustachian tubes, she may be at increased risk of developing ear pain. Interestingly, men tend to show a higher incidence of ear infections than women. However, knowing the risk factors and knowing if your child fits into one of these categories may be the best defense. Prevention may be the best medicine. SharpEar is an Oregon wellness consultant who recommends a balanced diet, with high-quality vitamins, minerals, and gluconutrient products SharpEar Supplement. Visit the site to see how SharpEar Review can help you,