# How to Keep Swimmer’s Ear From Ruining Your Holidays

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/kids/symptoms-of-ear-infection/
- Published: 2015-08-22T09:00:43+10:00
- Author: Kate Carlile

## _Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most common illness in children. The painful condition, known medically as ‘Otitis media’, strikes virtually all kids at some point in their childhood._

But it is especially common in babies and toddlers, particularly those attending
childcare. Ear aches are also common in the summer months and that’s why the infection
is sometimes referred to as ‘swimmer’s ear’.

For a quick explanation, ear infections occur when fluid gets trapped in the middle
ear and becomes infected by bacteria or a virus.

### **It’s more common in kids, as their Eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower, which makes them more prone to blockages.**

[⌊Doctor examining a young girls ear to prevent swimmers ear during holidays⌉⌊Doctor examining a young girls ear to prevent swimmers ear during holidays⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/st.alexius.org_......jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

## **Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infection**

To understand otitis media, it is very important to watch out for the telltale signs
and symptoms. These signs and symptoms can range from very mild to severe:

 * The fluid in the middle ear may push on the eardrum, causing ear pain. An older
   child may complain of an earache, but a younger child may tug at the ear or simply
   act irritably and cry more than usual.
 * Lying down, chewing, and sucking can also cause painful pressure changes in the
   middle ear, so a child may eat less than normal or have trouble sleeping.
 * If the pressure from the fluid build-up is high enough, it can cause the eardrum
   to rupture, resulting in drainage of fluid from the ear. This releases the pressure
   behind the eardrum, usually bringing relief from the pain.

## **Managing Ear Infection**

A child who might have an ear infection should visit a doctor. In deciding how to
manage your child’s ear infection, a doctor will consider many factors including:

 * Painkillers: such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to help relieve pain and reduce
   fever.
 * Antibiotics: are sometimes prescribed if the child is under the age of two, the
   infection is severe and has not cleared within a few days or if complications
   develop.
 * Professional cleaning of the ear canal.
 * Antifungal preparations for fungal infections.
 * Surgery: if an infection remains, surgery may be required. A tiny tube is inserted
   into the eardrum to allow a small hole to remain open so fluids can drain more
   easily.

#### **Ear infection among toddlers is much more challenging to deal with because of their inability to verbalize their discomfort. **

The first signs, like constant ear touching and signs of irritability should be 
given attention immediately. While waiting for professional help, you can alleviate
your child’s pain by applying a warm towel on the side of the face where the infected
ear is. Keep in mind though that nothing should replace an immediate visit to the
doctor.

 

If you think your child may be suffering from an ear infection, [National Home Doctor Service](http://www.homedoctor.com.au/)
is available for home visits from 6pm weeknights, 12 noon on Saturdays, all day 
Sundays and public holidays. To find out if we cover your area, simply type your
postcode in our suburb locator [here](http://www.homedoctor.com.au/section/home/Locations).

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#### SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at time of publication.”

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 Kate Carlile

 Kate brings sexy back to the office as our Administration Manager and all-round
most loveliest lady in the world. She is super Mum to four and the SAHM office would
literally fall apart without her. Her dream is to colour the world purple whilst
travelling around it in a lavender Winnebago!

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/kate/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/kate/)