How Ear Otoscope Works in the Protection of Children From Ear Infections
One of the most common conditions that affect children are ear infections. They are so common in fact that five out six children have at least one ear infection before they reach preschool age. According to Dr. Gene Liu, an ear-nose-throat specialist at Cedar Sinai Hospital, the most common type of ear infection that affects children are those that hurt the middle part of the ear. He also talks about how he gets the help of the ear otoscope during his medical examinations. This is where the ear connects to the back of the nose and throat. This kind of infection is called Otitis Media and can be especially painful for small children and may cause extreme irritability.
How The Ear Otoscope Helps
To know how to protect your child from these dreadful ear infections, first you must ask yourself why they happen to begin with. Otitis Media occurs when the middle part of the ear becomes inflamed due to trapped viruses and bacteria, and/or a buildup of fluid. Ear infections can be either the cause of why your child is sick or a symptom. If your child catches a cold, germs may travel to the middle ear, through the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. According to Dr. Liu “Children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults because their eustachian tubes are very small, and they're usually horizontal, which makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear.”
As a parent, you must be wondering, how can I lower my childs’ risk of contracting an ear infection? What you must remember above all is that a childs’ immune system is still a work in progress so they are naturally more vulnerable to all pathogens and as a result have a higher likelihood of catching a cold and ear infections. In fact, the more a child gets sick the more likely they are to suffer from ear infections. To prevent this, a simple thing that can be done is make sure your child blows their nose regularly. Fluid can easily build up in the nose and get trapped behind the eardrum causing an ear infection. Furthermore, the steps necessary to prevent ear infections are the same you need to take to prevent colds and flus (which makes things convenient if you ask me).
How to Diagnose Ear Infections Early with an Ear Otoscope
Firstly, getting vaccinated is a safe and easy way to protect your child and others from getting sick and as a result reducing the risk your child will contract an ear infection. Developing and practicing good hand washing and sanitizing habits is vital to keeping your child and community healthy. Another thing that can be done is to make sure your child is sitting straight up when they are eating, this will ensure that fluid does not flow into the middle ear. Lastly and possibly most importantly, avoiding sick people is the greatest measure you can take. While you cannot shield your child from the outside world, the fact of the matter is that children who contract ear infections get them as a result of catching a cold or flu. Strive to steer clear of children and adults exhibiting respiratory symptoms. But do not fear, most ear infections actually resolve on their own, and any that do not usually respond to antibiotics just visit your family pediatrician. Thanks to the ear otoscope, your pediatrician can comfortably examine your child's ear.
We discussed the importance of early diagnosis and correct examination to prevent ear infections. As Pedia Pals, we produce fun medical equipments to help children have a comfortable ear examinations. You should definitely meet the Elly Elephant Otoscope Attachment for the most comfortable ear examinations.
