Untreated chronic (long duration) ear infection is the most common cause of hearing disability in developing countries like Kenya.
Middle ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind your child’s eardrum often from a preceding upper respiratory tract infection e.g. common cold, cough, tonsillitis.
Untreated chronic (long duration) ear infection is the most common cause of hearing disability in developing countries like Kenya.
In middle ear infections, narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to high in the back of the throat (Eustachian tubes) can become swollen and blocked. This can lead to mucus build-up in the middle ear. This mucus can become infected and bring about symptoms of an ear infection.
Middle ear infection in Kenya is very common among children and its one of the most common causes of fever among children below three years of age.
Middle ear infection has three sub types:
1. Acute middle ear infection:
Acute infection of the middle ear which presents with rapid onset of ear pain and fever. It also presents with swelling of the ear drum. If acute otitis media is left untreated, it could progress to chronic discharging middle ear infection.
2. Chronic discharging ear infection:
This is persistent and recurrent ear discharge for more than two weeks.
It presents with:
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Irritability and restlessness of the child
- Reduced appetite
- Inflammation/swelling and perforation of the eardrum
- Pulling and tagging of the affected ear
- Vomiting and diarrhea
3. Middle ear infection with fluid accumulation
This is presence of fluid in the middle ear. With this presentation, there is usually no signs of acute infection (fever, severe pain, inflammation).
However, the child will present with a sense of ear fullness, buzzing sound in the ear and difficult hearing.
Ear infections at times do clear on their own however if after two to three days you realize that the signs and symptoms are persistent, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance. Do not get stuck with your unwell child at home, at https://hellodaktari.co.ke we are here to offer you the necessary assistance.
In Kenya, diagnosis of ear infection is through detailed history taking and physical examination by the doctor.
If you notice either of the above signs and symptoms, click on this link https://hellodaktari.co.ke and book an appointment with us. We offer online medical consultations in any part of the country as well as home based care services within Nairobi and its environs.
Complications
Most ear infections don’t cause long-term complications. Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications:
- Impaired hearing. Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection, but it usually gets better after the infection clears, however, ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss.
- Speech or developmental delays. If hearing is temporarily or permanently impaired in infants and toddlers, they may experience delays in speech, social and developmental skills.
- Spread of infection. Untreated infections or infections that don’t respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis.
- Tearing of the eardrum. Most eardrum tears heal within 72 hours. In some cases, surgical repair is needed.
Prevention
Below are some tips that may reduce the risk of developing ear infections especially in Kenya:
- Prevent and treat common colds and other illnesses as soon as they occur, this will help reduce chances of an ear infection.
- Avoid secondhand smoke. Make sure that no one smokes in your home. Away from home, stay in smoke-free environments.
- Breast-feed your baby. If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least six months. Breast milk contains antibodies that may offer protection from ear infection.
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