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Protect Your Child From Ear Infections
In an ear infection, the eustachian
tube, which connects the
upper part of the throat to the
middle ear, becomes swollen,
trapping fluid in the ear. "It can
become an infection when bacteria
or viruses grow in the trapped
fluid," says Samuel Engel, M.D.,
MPH, a pediatric otolaryngologist
at K. Hovnanian Children's
Hospital. Signs that your child
has an ear infection include fever,
irritability, tugging at his or her
ear, and difficulty hearing.
Here's how you can help prevent
ear infections:
- Put babies to sleep on their backs to aid draining of the middle ear.
- Keep your children away from secondhand smoke.
- Wash your hands frequently, and make sure caregivers do the same.
- Consider breastfeeding your infant for at least three months.
- Hold your baby upright when feeding him or her from a bottle.
If your child shows signs of
an ear infection, call the doctor.
Bacterial infections may require
antibiotics. Doctors also may prescribe
pain relievers or eardrops.
Warm or cold packs can help the
pain, as can keeping the child's
head propped up.
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