Anyone can have an ear infection throughout their lives; however, it is more common in children and one of the most frequent reasons for consultation. “The otolaryngologist or the pediatrician will decide what treatment the little patient should follow. Generally, antibiotics, antihistamines and, fundamentally, drugs for pain management are prescribed, since children are less tolerant to pain”, says Dr. Francisco Salaverry, otorhinolaryngologist at our clinic.

What is otitis?

It is an inflammatory process of the middle ear that can be of viral or bacterial origin.

What types of otitis exist and which is the most frequent at this time?

The types of otitis that exist are: acute otitis, external otitis, chronic otitis media and seromucous otitis media. The one that occurs with the highest incidence at this time of year is external otitis, because children tend to frequent beaches or swimming pools.

What are its causes?

According to our specialist, acute otitis media, chronic otitis media and seromucous otitis are always a neighboring pathology; that is, a viral or bacterial infectious process of the upper airway. In the case of external otitis, the infection could occur on beaches or swimming pools.

What are its symptoms?

The predominant symptom is ear pain, atrial suppuration and decreased hearing, fever and malaise.

Recommendations from our specialist:

• Take the child to the specialist as soon as they present ear pain in order to evaluate it in a timely manner.
• Always control infections that affect the upper airway (the nose, paranasal sinuses, the middle ear, pharynx, larynx, and tonsillar structures).
• Do not use swabs or foreign bodies to clean the ears.
• Encourage breastfeeding, as it prevents the development of various infections, including ear infection.
• Do not expose the child to tobacco smoke, as it increases the risk of contracting this type of infection.
• Make the little patient comply with the complete treatment indicated by the specialist, thus ensuring his satisfactory recovery

Dr. Francisco Salaverry
Otorhinolaryngologist  at Clínica Ricardo Palma