Treatment and Prevention
Otitis media is often treated with antibiotics. To lower the chances
of the infection returning, it's very important to take the antibiotics regularly,
even if the symptoms improve quickly. Many of the infections are actually caused
by viruses, and some doctors believe that a short period of watchful waiting,
rather than antibiotics, is appropriate for children who neither have recurrent
infections nor structural differences in their ears.
Cold medications (such as decongestants) may be useful for keeping the
eustachian tube from becoming blocked. Antihistamines may help people who
have allergies. But neither of these medications will cure the ear infection.
Pain relievers can be used to ease the pain of the infection and to lower a
child's fever. Holding warm cloths over the sore ear may also provide some relief.
Fluid buildup in the middle ear can be drained. In a procedure called
a myringotomy, a tiny tube is inserted into an opening of the eardrum
that drains fluid away and allows air to reach the middle ear which equalizes
the pressure and often allows drainage down the eustachian tube. The cause of
fluid accumulation must also be treated. For instance, if allergic reactions
are to blame for blocking the eustachian tube, then antihistamines will be given
to relieve allergies.
If the child has a permanent hole in his or her eardrum that's causing chronic
otitis media, the eardrum itself can be repaired by a procedure called a tympanoplasty.
It's hard to prevent ear infections since many children, especially those
who attend daycare, are susceptible to colds. Careful hand-washing regimens
can help reduce the chance of catching colds, so it's important to remind your
kids to wash up as often as possible.
Breast-feeding seems to lower the chances of developing ear infections among
infants and children by helping to boost their immunity. Another good preventative
measure is to keep your home smoke-free as smoking damages the cilia,
which are the tiny hairs on the cells that help keep the lining clean. Immunization
with the pneumococcal vaccine can lessen the likelihood of getting ear infections
caused by certain types of bacteria.