During the peak season of respiratory infections
Parents are deeply concerned about their child’s health
Nasal congestion, runny nose, fever... causing great discomfort
These symptoms heighten parental worry and attention
Yet there’s another hidden area you might overlook
Your child’s ears may also be suffering!
According to statistics, about
10% of children
Develop acute otitis media (AOM) after upper respiratory infections like the flu!
Q1: Why Does AOM Occur?
Bacteria or viruses from upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, or pharyngitis, along with secretions, enter the ear via the Eustachian tube, leading to pus formation and AOM.
Children’s Eustachian tubes are
shorter and flatter than adults’, making it easier for pathogens from the nose, mouth, or respiratory tract to invade the middle ear.
Improper nose-blowing or forceful sneezing pushes germs backward into the ear, increasing AOM risk.
Children’s weaker immune systems also make them more susceptible to infections.
Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, fatigue, chills, nausea, and vomiting. However, these overlap with respiratory infection symptoms, and young children cannot articulate ear discomfort, leading to oversight.
Parents must closely observe their child’s behavior to detect AOM early.
Signs of AOM in children:
Frequently turning up TV/device volume.
Tilting the head to favor one ear.
Delayed or no response when called from behind.
Increased fussiness, refusal to eat or sleep.
Poor concentration or irrelevant answers.
These symptoms often follow a cold or flu. Parents should seek ENT care promptly if abnormalities arise.
Untreated AOM may become chronic, causing eardrum perforation and permanent hearing loss!
How Is AOM Treated?
Three principles:
Control Infection:
Oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin).
Topical ear drops for ruptured eardrums with pus.
Promote Drainage:
Medications to reduce mucosal swelling and drain pus.
Tympanocentesis (eardrum puncture) for severe cases with high fever, intense pain, or bulging eardrums.
Address Underlying Causes:
Treat recurrent tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, or sinusitis to prevent recurrence.
Detecting AOM hidden behind the flu
Requires parental vigilance and timely action.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent acute cases from turning chronic.
Protect your child’s hearing for a sound-filled future!
