Most children love to bathe on the beach or in the pool. Swimming or playing in the water is also very beneficial for them since it allows them to exercise, while having fun. But, we must be vigilant, as water can be a source of infections such as the dreaded summer otitis.
If you've ever had an earache, you know that it can be extremely painful. Therefore, today I bring you a series of tips and information so that you solve all your doubts and can enjoy a otitis free summer.
What is otitis?
Otitis is the inflammation of the ear, usually caused by infection. There are different types of otitis depending on the area of the ear that is inflamed.
From the ear inwards, we have the external auditory canal, in it the external otitis which are the typical fish otitis. Continuing inwards we find the eardrum and, behind it, the middle ear that communicates with the throat through the Eustachian tube. When, for some reason, the Eustachian tube is unable to drain the mucus produced by the ear into the throat, otitis media occurs.
Why do summer ear infections occur?
The summer heat and the humidity caused by prolonged baths, cause the skin that covers the outer ear to suffer alterations. The degree of acidity changes and the layer of wax, which covers the outer ear, tends to disappear, favoring the conditions for the proliferation of bacteria.
What are your symptoms?
- Itching and redness. Itching is usually one of the first symptoms to appear, although this is not always the case. However, if you notice that your child scratches his ear frequently, be vigilant because it may be a sign that an otitis is on the way.
- Moderate or severe pain that worsens when you press the ear, when yawning or when eating.
- Feeling of plugged ears or mild hearing loss.
- Suppuration. Sometimes more wax than normal or some liquid comes out of the ear. In more severe cases, a greenish and foul-smelling discharge may appear.
What treatment is the most appropriate?
If your child complains of ear discomfort, the most prudent thing is to go to the pediatrician to assess the pathology and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
In general, external otitis are treated with ear drops that contain antibiotics. If the ear is itchy or very inflamed, drops with a combination of antibiotic plus corticosteroid may be prescribed. If the infection is significant or does not resolve with the drops, it is necessary to treat with oral antibiotics. For pain, they are usually prescribed pain relievers or anti-inflammatories such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
To consider!
- It is very important that do not give your child drops without consulting the doctor since not all antibiotics are suitable according to which infection. Also, if the eardrum is perforated or there is a risk of perforation, drops are not the most appropriate treatment.
- Remember that, even if your child is well, you must complete the antibiotic treatment to the end, as prescribed by your doctor. If you stop putting the antibiotic early, relapses and bacterial resistance to antibiotics can occur.
- As long as the treatment lasts, the child is better do not bathe in the pool or on the beach. Not even without wetting your head, as it is easy for there to be splashes and for some water to enter the ear, delaying healing.
- Do not put plugs on your child while the otitis lasts, since they could damage the skin already altered by the infection.
How to prevent summer ear infections
- Dry your ears well after bathing. Gently dry with your finger and a towel, without forcing beyond where the finger reaches. Allow your child to tilt their head to either side to facilitate the water outflow.
- Do not insert swabs to clean the ear. The wax exerts a protective function against infections. You can remove the wax that is visible in the ear, but do not go out of your way to clean the ear canal since that is where the protective function of the wax is most important. The swabs can also cause some lesions that favor the appearance of otitis.
- Prevents the child from jumping into the water since the pressure difference can damage the hearing.
- The routine use of earplugs is not recommended, but in cases where there is repetitive otitis, the doctor may recommend its use.
- If you can choose, it is better to bathe on the beach than in the pool.