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Why do children like to pull their ears? The secret of acute otitis media revealed!
Whenever children experience earache or discomfort, they tend to pull at their ears uncontrollably. Such behavior is not only curious, but may also indicate an underlying health problem, especially acute otitis media (AOM). This article will take an in-depth look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and prevention of acute otitis media, and reveal why a child's pulling on the ear can worry parents.
Basic understanding of acute otitis media
Acute otitis media refers to an acute inflammation of the middle ear, usually accompanied by significant earache. It primarily affects young children because their ear anatomy and immune systems are immature. Children may show signs of ear pulling, crying, eating less, and fever when infected. In addition, earache may cause restless sleep and affect the child's daily life.
"Once a child becomes restless due to earache, parents should seek medical advice promptly to rule out the possibility of otitis media."
Symptoms of acute otitis media
The main symptom of acute otitis media is earache, but it may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, hearing loss, ear tenderness, etc. Since ear inflammation is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections, children may develop coughs and runny noses. Discharge and murmurs in the ear canal may also be a sign of otitis media.
Causes of acute otitis media
According to medical research, acute otitis media is mainly caused by dysfunction of the European tube. This dysfunction is often triggered by an upper respiratory tract infection or allergic reaction. When the glands swell, causing secretions from the ear canal to become trapped in the middle ear, bacteria have the opportunity to grow in the fluid, leading to the formation of infection.
"Common pathogens of acute otitis media are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. These bacteria are often found in the ear canals of children."
Diagnosis of acute otitis media
Correct diagnosis is the key to treating acute otitis media. Doctors usually use an otoscope to check the condition of the eardrum. If the eardrum bulges or fails to move with airflow, it may be a sign of acute otitis media. In addition, the condition of ear canal secretions is also one of the reference factors for judgment.
Treatment of acute otitis media
Treatment for acute otitis media includes taking painkillers such as acetaminophen (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen to relieve ear pain. Depending on your child's condition, your doctor may consider prescribing antibiotics, especially if you have a severe infection or if you are younger than two years old.
Prevention of acute otitis media
In order to reduce the risk of acute otitis media in children, active preventive measures are necessary. For example, pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can effectively reduce the chance of infection. In addition, breastfeeding and avoiding environmental stimuli such as smoke are also important prevention strategies.
"Experts recommend that avoiding the use of pacifiers by children can also help reduce the incidence of acute otitis media."
Conclusion
Understanding acute otitis media and its effects is key, especially for parents, who should seek timely medical help when their children develop earache or related symptoms. Staying alert can better protect your child's health. However, what we should reflect on is: What methods can be more effective in preventing ear problems in later life?
