Ear infection in children
A common ear infection, otitis is often seen in young children between 3 months and 3 years old, especially after a cold. It is neither contagious nor usually serious. However, the main symptoms include pain, sometimes accompanied by fever, making it an infection that should be treated promptly.
How can it be prevented?
- Have your child vaccinated according to the recommended vaccination schedule.
- Provide a smoke-free environment.
- Breastfeed your child.
- Avoid giving a pacifier after the age of 6 months as much as possible.
- Do not let your child fall asleep with a bottle.
- When your child develops a cold, rinse their nose as often as possible with a saline solution.
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Make sure they wash their hands after blowing their nose or touching their face.
How can I treat my child’s ear infection?
You should try to both reduce the pain and eliminate the fever. You can use acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®, Tempra®) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®), which are available over the counter.
ATTENTION
- Do not give ibuprofen to your child if they are under 6 months old or have difficulty staying hydrated.
- Avoid cough medicines if your child is under 6 years old.
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Avoid decongestants and antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl®), as they are not considered effective for treating ear infections.
You should rinse the nose with a saline solution!
Homemade saline solution recipe:
- Boil 4 cups (1L) of water for 3 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of salt (Note: Table salt can be more irritating to the nose; pickling salt is milder.)
- Add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of baking soda (also called “bicarbonate of soda”).
- Let the solution cool down to avoid burns.
*** The mixture can be kept for up to 24 hours at room temperature or for 7 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container.***
Stir well before each use.
Warning! Avoid contamination by using different nasal irrigation containers for each family member.
Why antibiotics are not always effective?
- Antibiotics do not work for ear infections caused by viruses.
- Antibiotics do not relieve pain.
- Many bacterial ear infections heal on their own within 2 to 3 days.
When to consult?
I can wait to see a doctor if:
My child meets ALL of the following CRITERIA:Il est âgé de 6 mois et plus. ET
- He has mild ear pain. AND
- He has a fever below 39°C (rectal) (except for children under 3 months, where you should consult a doctor if the rectal temperature is 38°C or higher). AND
- He has no ear discharge. AND
- His behavior is normal (e.g., eating well, smiling).
It is important to relieve your child’s symptoms.
Warning! Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen within the next 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days). Also consult if your child has a chronic illness such as a cleft palate, a weakened immune system, a cochlear implant, or a malformation of the head or neck.
I consult a doctor if:
My child meets AT LEAST ONE of the following criteria:
- He is under 6 months old. OR
- He has a fever over 39°C (rectal). OR
- He has severe ear pain. OR
- He has difficulty hearing. OR
- He has discharge from the ear. OR
- He has more noticeable ear retraction. OR
- His behavior is unusual (e.g., refuses to eat).
Dave Turcotte, IPSPL
References
CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec
https://ciusssmcq.ca/conseils-sante/maladies-infectieuses/otite-chez-l-enfant/
Société canadienne de pédiatrie
https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/acute-otitis-media