“Is your baby’s nighttime crying keeping you up all night? Are you wondering if your child might be suffering from an ear infection? If so, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for.”
What is an Ear Infection?
Ear infections, also known as otitis, are common bacterial or viral infections that affect the ears at different levels. They can affect humans as well as animals. Ear infections can be acute, causing a brief, sharp pain, or chronic, leading to further complications.
Types of Ear Infections
Ear infections can occur in different parts of the ear:
- Otitis externa (outer ear Infection): This is the most common type of ear infection, affecting the outer ear canal.
- Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): This is the second most common type, affecting the middle ear behind the eardrum.
- Otitis Interna (Inner Ear Infection): This is the least common type, affecting the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and hearing.
We have a natural treatment to manage ear infections in children with the help of our Naturopaths, Nutritionists, and Homeopaths.
Symptoms of Ear Infection
The symptoms of ear infection vary depending on the age of the person and the type of infection.
Symptoms in Adults:
- Mild pain or discomfort inside the ear
- Pressure feeling or fullness inside the ear
- Pus-like discharge from the ears
- Hearing loss
- Poor coordination or balance
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Headaches
Symptoms in Infants and Children:
- Uncontrollable crying
- Red cheeks
- Fever
- Restlessness and irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Poor coordination, losing balance easily, falling easily, and hurting or bumping into furniture
- Poor sleep
- Smell from the ear
- Speech delay (chronic ear infections)
- Unable to listen or follow instructions
Risk Factors for Ear Infections in Children
Ear infections are more common in children due to their short and narrow Eustachian tubes. Here are some risk factors for ear infections in children:
- Constant exposure to bacterial and viral infections, such as in child care centers
- Low birth weight
- Poor immunity
- Poor nutrition
- Pacifier use
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Colds
- Sinus infections
- Adenoids
- Tonsillitis
- Changes in temperature and humidity
Double Ear Infection
A double ear infection, also known as bilateral acute otitis media (BAOM), occurs when both ears are infected. It is caused by bacteria or viruses that build up in the middle ear. This condition is considered more serious and can lead to other complications. A unilateral ear infection can turn into a bilateral ear infection if not treated promptly.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the skin in the outer ear canal, leading to pain, itchiness, pressure, or fullness in the ear. The ear may appear red and have discharge that looks clear and watery or pus-like.
Causes of Swimmer’s Ear:
- Middle ear infection
- Hearing aids
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Narrow ear canals
- Cleaning the ear canal with a cotton swab or fingertips
- Chemical irritants like hair dye or shampoo
Ear Infection vs. Teething in Infants
It can be challenging to distinguish between an ear infection and teething in infants. Common symptoms of both conditions include:
- Fever
- Redness of the cheeks
- Pain
- Tugging or pulling at the ears
- Poor appetite or constant need to breastfeed
- Foul breath
However, a child with an ear infection may also exhibit:
- Discharge from the ears
- Redness inside the ears when examined with an otoscope
- Previous history of ear infection
- Obvious signs of bacterial or viral infections, such as high fever, rash, and other ENT issues
Tonsillitis, Adenoids, and Ear Infections
Children with enlarged tonsils, swollen adenoids, and recurring infections may need to be treated as a whole. Symptoms include:
- Poor appetite
- Poor sleep
- Poor weight gain
- Sugar cravings
- Low energy
- Poor mood
- Crankiness, irritability, and restlessness
- Poor absorption of nutrients
- Allergies
- Snoring
- Frequent sickness and recurring infections
- Speech delay
- Slow learning to walk and talk
- Poor coordination, falling, and bumping into things
Treatment for Ear Infection
- Acute and recurring ear infections in adults and children can be treated naturally. For adults, an Immune Protocol/program that addresses various aspects of immunity may be beneficial.
- For children, a tailored protocol designed for sensitive individuals, infants, and children includes natural treatments for immunity, infection control, gut microbiome, sleep, and nutrition.
- We use a combination of Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Herbal and Nutritional Supplements based on age and sensitivity of the patient
In severe cases of ear infection, immediate consultation with a local medical professional is recommended.