Middle Ear Infections
The medical term for the common ear infection is
otitis media. Otitis refers to an ear infection and
media means middle. It is an infection of the middle
ear, which is located behind the ear drum
What causes middle ear infections?
A middle ear infection is caused by a build up of
bacteria and fluid in the Eustachian tube (a tube
between the nose and the ear). This build up puts
pressure on the ear drum causing inflammation and
pain and if left untreated can burst the ear drum
causing a ‘runny ear’
What increases your chances of
having a middle ear infection?
•
•
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
are ten times more likely to get middle ear
infections than non-Indigenous children
Children that are aged 0-9 have a greater
chance of getting middle ear infections
When should you suspect a middle
ear infection?
A child may show the following signs and
symptoms:
•
Complaints of pain in the ear
•
Pulls at the ear regularly
•
Has redness around the ear
•
Becomes ill with a fever
•
Is irritable or grumpy
•
Overcrowding and inadequate housing
•
Has decreased alertness
•
Lack of access to health care services
•
Watches others for cues
•
Poor nutrition
•
Has behaviour problems (distracting others)
•
Poverty
•
Seems off balance
•
Cross infection from other kids
•
Is not paying attention
•
Bottle feeding rather than breast feeding
•
Is always saying ‘what?’
•
Exposure to cigarette smoke
•
A family history of otitis media
Many children who develop an ear infection will first
have a cold.
If a parent / carer suspects their child has an ear
infection, they should take their child to see a health
professional at their local health service as soon as
possible
Ear infections can be prevented!!!
How is a middle ear infection
diagnosed and treated?
A health professional can screen, identify a problem
and refer to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Ear infections are common but there are things that
parents and families can do to reduce the number
of ear infections their children receive by:
The health professional will choose an appropriate
course of treatment, which may include medication
such as antibiotics. It is important to remember that
a single dose of an antibiotic will not make the ear
infection better, so remember to take as directed by
the doctor until all the antibiotics are completely
finished.
•
Using tissues when they blow their nose
and then putting them in the rubbish
•
Covering their mouths when they cough
•
Washing their hands after sneezing or
coughing into them
The health professional may ask to see the child
again in two to four weeks after starting them on a
treatment for otitis media. However, if the treatment
is not resolving symptoms in 48 hours, the child will
need to be re-examined as a soon as possible.
•
Washing dirty toys after playing with them
•
Not sharing food or drinks
•
Ensuring children eat healthy food
•
Breast feeding them
•
Not smoking near them
•
Not sharing towels or utensils
•
By washing and disinfecting all surface
areas including common play areas
regularly
REMEMBER:
It is important the children get help immediately if
they have symptoms of having a middle ear
infection
Middle ear infections are preventable!