How To Relieve A Baby’s Ear Infection
Otitis media is a common infection in children from 0 to 5 years old. Early detection of symptoms and appropriate treatment will ensure recovery in a few days.
The baby’s ear infection or acute otitis media is a common pathology in babies and children. About half of all babies have at least one ear infection during their first year of life. In addition, it is the most common cause, followed by tonsillitis, for which young children are treated with antibiotics.
As with colds and sore throats, winter is the time of year when this condition occurs most often. It should also be noted that children with allergy problems and in whose family environment smokers are more likely to suffer from it.
What is baby ear infection?
Otitis media is caused by the entry into the air space of the middle ear of bacteria or viruses from the oral cavity. The abnormal multiplication of microorganisms in the area generates pus and a distention of the eardrum, causing the pain that the child manifests.
Otitis is more common when suffering a catarrhal process, since the duct will be full of mucus and there will be favorable conditions for the excessive growth of viruses and bacteria. All of this is evidenced in this work carried out by professionals from the FASTA University, in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Symptoms of baby ear infection
Symptoms depend on age. In the case of babies, irritability, rejection of the bottle due to loss of appetite, vomiting or even suppuration in the outer ear is referred to in more advanced infections. The pain will increase when sleeping, as the ear pressure is greater in a horizontal position. There may also be fever and chills, as this information from the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders points out .
It is important to recognize the symptoms in the early stages of the disease in order to apply the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. In this way, recovery will be faster and complications will be avoided.
Home remedies for baby ear infection
It is very important that a diagnosis is not made on your own, but it is completely necessary to go to the doctor with any suspicion of infection so that he can provide adequate treatment and diagnosis.
However, if previously authorized by a healthcare professional, these home remedies that we present below can be used as a complementary means to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, but in no case can they replace it. In addition, they are only indicated to relieve pain and inflammation.
1. Application of natural oils or infusion of plants
Some herbs, such as mint, oregano, lavender or chamomile, can have an analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect thanks to their properties. The procedure consists of preparing an infusion, soaking a sterile gauze with it and applying it to the baby’s ear.
On the other hand, you can apply a few drops of some natural oil, such as olive or almond oil, in order to soothe the pain and itching of the middle ear.
2. Application of warm compresses
A compress soaked in warm water can be applied to the outer surface of the baby’s ear. If you do not have sterile gauze, use a bag of seeds heated in the microwave for a few seconds. This can promote circulation in the area and ease the discomfort caused by the infection.
3. Eucalyptus vapor inhalation
Inhalation can be effective in relieving middle ear pain. Add some eucalyptus or mint leaves to a container of boiling water, place a towel on the baby’s head and try to inhale the vapors. Repeat it two or three times a day. It is important that you control that the steam is not too hot to avoid burns.
4. Application of food infusions with antibacterial effect
You can make garlic or onion infusions and apply a few drops in the baby’s ear. Bring a pot to a boil and add an onion or a couple of garlic. Strain the resulting liquid to make sure that no solid particles remain and proceed to apply it.
However, before carrying out this or any other procedure with home remedies, the most important thing is that you always consult with a health professional
Finally, we remind you that these remedies with anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe pain in the little ones. However, always follow the medical recommendations of the pediatrician and properly apply the prescribed antibiotics.
