Ear infections can occur at any age. though more often infect children. If your child has watery ears, be aware of an infection that needs special treatment.
Children under three years of age (toddlers) are the group most at risk for watery ear infections. This is because their immune systems are still vulnerable and the Eustachian canal inside their ears are shorter and narrower than adults. Compared to babies who are breastfed, babies who are not breastfed are more likely to develop ear infections.
Recognize Cause and Symptom Iinfection Ear
This watery ear can last from a few moments to a few days. The fluid comes from the eardrum that becomes infected and ruptures, creating a hole. Watery ears in children can be caused by several things, such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, sinus swelling, polyps, tonsils, or changes in air pressure.
Watery ears in children due to infection, can cause symptoms such as:
- Fever.
- Hearing disorders.
- Nauseous.
- Feeling unwell.
- Decreased appetite.
- Ears hurt, buzzing, stuffy, “full”.
- Changes in behavior, such as being more fussy or crying more.
- Insomnia.
Infants under 6 months who experience symptoms of an ear infection accompanied by a fever above 39 degrees Celsius, should immediately consult a doctor.
Watery ear conditions may interfere with the ability to hear for some time. Generally, it will get better in about a week. until the hearing returns to normal. If the fluid does not disappear completely, then the watery ear can be protracted or often referred to by the public as congek.
Handling Watery Ears Due to Ear Infections
Treatment given to treat watery ears due to infection, depends on the severity of the infection and the duration of the infection. The usual actions taken by doctors to treat watery ears are:
- Administration of pain medicationEar infections usually go away on their own. The immune system or immune system can overcome some ear infections in children. However, it is generally necessary to take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and help the child feel more comfortable.
- Additional checkIf the doctor considers the infection to be severe enough, it is likely that the doctor will recommend an ear fluid examination to determine the germ causing the infection. A CT scan of the head can also be performed to determine if the infection has spread to other parts of the ear. Hearing tests may also be necessary.
- Administration of antibiotics
Some considerations for the use of antibiotics in ear infections include the age of children under 2 years and having a higher risk of complications, the infection is considered quite severe that does not subside after 2-3 days, the doctor has confirmed that the infection is caused by bacteria, or if the child has a medical condition. others that increase the risk of infection.
- Medical proceduresEar infections in children that occur repeatedly, or cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum causing complications such as hearing loss, a myringotomy may be required to remove ear fluid.
To prevent watery ears from recurring infections, it is important to complete the child's immunizations, maintain cleanliness and air quality at home, make it a habit to wash hands, continue to give breast milk, and avoid the habit of letting children sleep while drinking bottled milk. Do not let the condition of watery ears in children drag on, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
