One of the main health complaints of children during the holidays is earaches. Playing all day — especially in the pool or sea, during the summer — can irritate the ear canal structures and accumulate water in the area, causing, in addition to pain, dizziness and even fever.
“Otitis can be external, when it affects the skin of the ear canal, and internal, which happens when the inflammation occurs in the most complex and deepest portion of the ear”, clarifies otorhinolaryngologist Manuela Dowsley, from the Otorrino DF clinic.
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Swimming in the pool, sea and humidity are the main factors responsible for causing external infection – the accumulation of water in the ear canal causes greater sensitivity in the skin of the ear, causing inflammation.
However, Manuela warns that the problem can happen outside the context of travel and vacations. Excessive manipulation of the ear, either with the hand or with objects, can create wounds that facilitate infections by bacteria and fungi.
The best way to prevent otitis is to avoid excessive accumulation of wax in the ear, as excess substance can make the condition worse. However, cleaning must be done carefully.
“The cotton swab is not ideal for cleaning: it can hurt and push the dirt even further inside. The ear itself already has a cleaning mechanism, but in certain cases wax buildup can happen. Upon realizing the problem, parents should take the child to a specialist to do the washing”, warns the otolaryngologist.
how to get water out of ear
Water in the ear can cause otitis and discomfort in patients – in babies, the accumulation of fluid can cause acute pain and even fever. The safest ways to remove water from the ear canal, according to the doctor, are:
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- Jumping. “It works for some people. The water enters, they get out of the pool and tilt their head with the obstructed side down and jump”, he explains;
- Hair dryer. “In cold mode, of course, the air can help remove the liquid from inside. In hot weather, it can burn the child’s ear ”, she advises;
- Two drops of alcohol 70º. “It needs a lot of care. More than two drops can impair the functioning of the hearing aid”, warns the specialist.
About the habit of putting hot water to expel the liquid trapped in the ear, the doctor says it’s a myth. “It makes the situation much worse. Water can literally burn and cause imbalance and dizziness,” says Manuela.
If none of the methods work, it is best to take the child to the otorhinolaryngologist to have the ear washed.
prevention and risk
Before traveling with children, Manuela suggests that parents see a specialist to find out what measures to take to avoid otitis. Some doctors may prescribe tampons, which can be purchased at sporting goods stores or custom-made.
Without care, external otitis can develop into malignant external otitis, which causes swelling, pain, and discharge, but rarely causes hearing loss. “To lose hearing would be an internal otitis, which is caused by other more serious factors”, emphasizes the doctor.
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The post Understand what otitis is, one of the biggest complaints from children in the summer first appeared on Metropolis.