Did you know? Ear infections are the most common reason kids visit the doctor, accounting for approximately 30 million doctor visits a year in the United States!

But why? Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team has some answers, so keep reading!

What Are Ear Infections in the First Place?

An ear infection, or otitis media, happens when bacteria or other viral particles harm and cause pain to the middle ear. Although this condition is a frequent cause of infant distress and is often associated with children, it can also affect adults.

We’ve listed the common symptoms of ear infections among kids below.

Common Ear Infection Symptoms Among Children

• Ear pain, especially when lying down
• Tugging or pulling at an ear
• Trouble sleeping
• Crying more than usual
• Fussiness
• Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
• Loss of balance
• Fever of 100 F or higher
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

Why Do Kids Get Them More Often Than Adults?

Middle ear infections are the most common ear infection among children, and they get them more than adults for a few reasons. The most common reason ear infections affect kids more than adults is because of their shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes.

Children’s eustachian tubes allow bacteria and viruses to find their way into the middle ear more easily. The tubes are also narrower, so they’re more likely to get blocked. Additionally, kids’ adenoids (gland-like structures at the back of the throat) are larger and can interfere with the opening of the eustachian tubes. If your child has an ear infection, there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, and we’ve listed them below.

Ear Infection Home Remedies for Children

• Warm compress. Holding a moist compress over your child’s ear for about 10 to 15 minutes can help reduce pain.
• Acetaminophen. If your baby is older than 6 months, acetaminophen may help relieve pain and fever.
• Warm oil. If there is no fluid draining from your child’s ear and a ruptured eardrum isn’t suspected, place a few drops of room temperature or slightly warmed olive oil or sesame oil in the affected ear.
• Elevation for your child’s head. Slightly elevating your child’s head will improve sinus drainage.

Do you think your child has an ear infection? If so, don’t wait to get the necessary medical care at our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood center today!